Olivia was a radiant soul—beautiful inside and out—who lived her life with conviction, passion, and deep purpose. She had just graduated from Clemson University with both an undergraduate and graduate degree and fulfilled her lifelong goal of becoming a teacher.
On May 26, 2024, Olivia passed away at the age of 23 due to complications from a congenital heart defect. Although she was born with this condition, it was repaired when she was four months old through open-heart surgery and she was expected to live a long and healthy life. Tragically, she suffered a heart arrhythmia and passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully in her sleep.
She was a lifelong resident of Somers, New York and participated in many sports and activities growing up, but her true calling to service and teaching emerged at a very early age. She became the Jr. Chairperson for the American Heart Association, Somers Special Education Camp Counselor and CCD teacher.
After middle school, Olivia made the decision to attend Kennedy Catholic High School where she truly blossomed. She participated in the Drama Club, Student Council, received the Community Service Achievement Award, and was awarded the Somers Women’s Club Leadership Scholarship. Her passion for sports continued, and she became the manager of both the varsity lacrosse and football programs for all four years…and the players affectionately referred to her as “Mom”. She was also a member of the Kennedy Catholic Choir, and founded the Bell Choir which still exists to this day and performs at nursing homes throughout the area during the holiday season.
Olivia ALWAYS knew she wanted to be a teacher. She chose Clemson University in South Carolina for their strong education program, but it was their enthusiastic “ALL IN” mantra and attitude that really drew Olivia to the school. She joined the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and more importantly became a Strategic Mentor for student athletes for the Clemson Athletic Academic Services Program. She was one of the youngest and longest serving strategic mentors in the program’s history. She graduated with her BS in Education Cum Laude in May 2023, and with her Master’s of Arts in Teaching in May 2024.
Teaching middle school was where Olivia thought she could make the biggest influence on students’ lives since it can be a difficult life-stage. She fulfilled that dream by becoming an 8th grade English teacher at Wren Middle School in Piedmont, SC. In her short time as a teacher, she made a huge impact on her students and fellow educators as witnessed by the many letters and phone calls her family continues to receive since her passing.
Above all, Olivia figured life out early – she knew that true joy and purpose in life comes from service and helping others. She had an extremely positive attitude, a wonderful sense of humor which she combined with patience and a natural kindness. She loved reading and had a strong passion for supporting women’s access to education in underprivileged countries. One of her goals was to spend her summers teaching in Africa in support of women’s literacy. She had a gift for making others believe in themselves and bringing out the best in others…especially her students.
In her honor and memory, the Sherry Family has created The Live Like Livy Foundation to carry on her dreams and passions in the areas of literacy, teaching and community service. All proceeds will go towards scholarships and programs supporting these important initiatives.
