Olivia Zambada Kurupas

Olivia Z. Kurupas, age 90 years old, was born on September 29, 1931. Olivia passed away on May 31, 2022, peacefully after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's/Dementia with her loving and compassionate caregivers, daughter Rosemarie Kurupas-Moyer and son-in-law Jeff Moyer by her side. Olivia was the devoted spouse of James "Jim" K. Kurupas, who predeceased her in death and the daughter of the late Efrain Z. and Maria De Jesus Gonzalez. Olivia was born in Calexico, CA. She had two sisters; Rosalba Olivia Z. Doughty who predeceased her in death and Elvira Z. Acuna in El Centro; along with four half-sisters and two half-brothers from Mexico. Olivia and Jim had three children together and she was a proud grandmother and aunt of many nieces and nephews.

In 1949, Olivia graduated from Calexico High School with her diploma and later attended classes at Imperial Valley and Cuyamaca Colleges. In 1951, Olivia met her future husband, James "Jim" K Kurupas from El Centro, CA at a local restaurant in Imperial Valley. Olivia was with a group of her girlfriends, when she saw Jim, so she went over to talk to him because she thought Jim was good looking. After their conversation, Olivia told her friends she was going to marry "that man" and her friends responded by laughing and did not believe her.

As faith would have it, on April 25, 1954, Olivia and Jim were married and they were happily married for over 61 years. When Olivia and Jim were first married, she did not know how to cook. As the story goes, Olivia did not even know how to boil eggs so Jim's father Gustavo "Gus" Kurupas who was a wonderful cook became concerned because Jim was losing too much weight. Gus decided he would teach Olivia how to cook. A bond between Olivia and her father-in-law Gus was forever made and as it turned out Olivia became a great cook. Olivia loved to bake and her signature Apple pie with a caramel sauce topping and walnuts was a family favorite. Olivia also loved anything chocolate. She loved to share her chocolates with her family and friends.

Olivia's first job was in the office at the Plaster City Plant in CA where she was trained and became a professional bookkeeper. In 1956, Olivia and Jim moved from El Centro and made their home in San Diego. In 1966, Olivia learned she had breast cancer and she decided to undergo a double mastectomy. All of the cancer was removed and she was a cancer survivor until her death.

In 1972, Jim and Olivia built their own custom home. Olivia was a stay-at-home mom for many years until she decided it was time to re-enter the workforce as her children became older. Olivia went back to work for the Contreras Brothers Construction Company, Drew Ford and later for Hallmark Asset Management in San Diego, where she retired. Olivia was an avid reader and she loved books. Due to her love of reading, she went to work at the San Diego County Library in Rancho San Diego as an Assistant for several more years until she retired officially. During their retirement, Olivia and Jim traveled to Sedona, Az, Canada and to their dream destination Greece the birthplace of Jim's father "Gus."

Olivia loved to sew and she would make beautiful handmade quilts for her family and friends. Olivia also loved to exercise and she would walk on a running track that Jim had made for her in the backyard of their residence. In her later years, she would walk with her dog Blue and with her neighbors around the neighborhood. Other best memories of Olivia were seeing her out in the backyard gardening with Jim and with one of their many Dobermans over the years. Olivia's last dog was a rescue Doberman named Blue. Blue was Olivia's loyal companion and was always by her side. Jim and Blue were waiting for Olivia by the rainbow bridge at the entrance of Heaven. We know, she is now happily reunited with Jim along with her dog Blue and their many Dobermans in eternity. The angels are rejoicing her arrival.

Olivia's greatest adoration was her beloved husband, Jim. She unconditionally loved her family. She was a devoted and great mother. Olivia is survived by her daughter, Rosemarie Kurupas-Moyer, sons Kosta E. Kurupas and James A. Kurupas Jr, and granddaughter Taylor R. Kurupas. A Graveside Service, will be held at Singing Hills Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 10:00am to 11:00 am, at 2800 Dehesa Road, El Cajon CA 92019. In Olivia's memory an array of chocolates and light beverages will be served after the service. Lawn chairs and umbrellas are welcome.