This tribute was written by Cecily Davis, Olivia's mother.
Olivia was born February 16, 1984, in Bountiful, Utah to Cecily Eve & Max L Davis of Farmington, Utah. She was a beautiful child full of joy and curiosity and her sweetness and independence were traits that stayed with her throughout her life. She was an amazingly resilient person who fought the challenges of being learning disabled with steely determination. Her parents worked hard to make sure she could learn and grow in the most advantageous environment, fostering hope and optimism and advocating for her within the educational environment that too often chooses to do the least for those students with invisible disabilities who need the most considerations and an even playing field.
Olivia grew up among beautiful Arabian horses and a ranch environment that gave her opportunities to learn about animals and natural things. She struggled with many subjects in school, but received help and support to achieve the goals of her education. She graduated from Fremont High School and worked hard to get additional training in customer service and office related skills so that she could find work and become independent.
Olivia loved ancient Egypt and antiquities, followed the Pagan religion and loved Victorian styles and designs. She was an extraordinary person in how she cared for others, loved unconditionally, and wanted the best for her children. She had a big heart and was impressive in how she was good to the core. While she may have differed in opinions or intentions with people, she never wished anything but good to come from her efforts and decisions. She struggled in many ways to maintain a positive outlook on her life in the face of many challenges socially and educationally. She was a true friend and partner to those who really loved her. She married David Sherill in 2011 and was the mother of Antonia Marie, born July 11, 2012. She later gave birth to twins, Julia and Michael on January 3, 2015. All of these beautiful children are happy and healthy and are a legacy to their mother who lives on in them.
Olivia passed away on Monday, October 12, 2015, after a year-long struggle with breast cancer that took her too early in life, well before she could realize her potential and share her many gifts with her children. She will live on in the tenderness, intelligence, and resiliency that all of her children possess and her strength will help them achieve their life goals with the support and love of their grandparents and care takers who will watch over them as they grow.
In the words of John O’Donohue, an favorite Irish poet, we say to our darling Olivia:
“Though we need to weep your loss, you dwell in that safe place in our hearts where no storm or night or pain can reach you.
Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath, as close to us as we are to ourselves.
May you continue to inspire us:
To enter each day with a generous heart.
To serve the call of courage and love until we see your beautiful face again in that land where there is no separation, where all tears will be wiped from our mind, and where we will never lose you again.”