A Century of Grace: Olga Schipper's Remarkable 103-Year Journey

One hundred and three years. Just take a moment to really consider that. It’s a span of time that feels almost, well, unimaginable to many of us, a tapestry woven with so much history, so many moments of joy and change. And for Olga Bella Schipper, who gracefully departed this world on May 13, 2024, right there in her beloved Santa Cruz, it was a life, in truth, lived to the absolute fullest.

Born way back on January 13, 1921, Olga truly witnessed an incredible arc of human progress, of societal shifts that shaped our modern world. She was, you could say, a living bridge between eras, carrying wisdom and stories from a century that few can now recall firsthand. But more than just the sheer longevity, what really defined Olga was the enduring warmth and profound love she poured into her family and, indeed, her wider community.

She wasn't just a number on a birth certificate, you know; she was a cherished mother, a doting grandmother, and a great-grandmother whose presence surely brightened countless days. Her daughter, Joanie, and son-in-law John, along with all her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, carry forward her spirit—a testament, honestly, to the remarkable woman she was and the deep, lasting impact she made.

It’s a bittersweet moment, isn't it? To mourn a loss, yet at the same time, celebrate such an incredibly rich and long journey. Olga's memory will be honored and cherished, with a celebration of life planned for Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Resurrection Catholic Church, right there in Santa Cruz. And what a celebration it promises to be—a gathering to remember a woman who, for 103 years, truly embodied life, love, and an unwavering spirit.