It is with grieving, yet full and grateful hearts, that we announce the passing of our dear mother, vovó (grandma), aunt, sister, and friend, Adelia Oliver (nee Elias de Oliveira) of Irvine, California. Adelia passed away in her home surrounded by family on November 24, 2020 after a 14-month-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Brazil on May 14, 1948 to Francisco Elias de Oliveira and Senhorinha Alves de Almeida, she was raised in the tropical forests of Boqueirão, Jardim - Mato Grosso do Sul on her parents' fazenda (farm). At 14 she left her parents' home with her older sister, Noemi, to begin high school at Ginásio Adventista Campineiro in Campinas. After graduation she moved to Rio de Janeiro, where—while working and studying law in the mid-1970s—she met Los Angeles native Timothy Oliver (1946-2020) during a night of dancing. They married in 1977, and together in Southern California, they raised two beloved children, Amanda Oliver Cieply (b. 1979) and Michael Oliver (b. 1983), though they divorced in 1994.

Adelia was without a doubt one of the most loving, vivacious, and funny people we have ever encountered. She was also incredibly strong, determined, and resilient—attributes that carried her through ups and downs she faced. Her final challenge surrounded the pancreatic cancer diagnosis she received in September 2019. But even during this struggle, her character didn't waver, and she continued to exemplify a degree of love, strength, and patience that inspired others even more. During this holiday season, we mourn her passing but also celebrate her life and are incredibly grateful that she was in ours.

Adelia worked as a homemaker, in real estate, retail, and ultimately retired from Metropolitan State Hospital as a licensed Psychiatric Technician in 2007. She was enthusiastic for a wide variety of activities and attractions, and in general sought to enjoy what life has to offer. She enjoyed time with her family and friends, al fresco and fine dining, movies and theatre, spontaneous day trips, and adventures with her treasured maltipoo, Dobby.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Noemi. She is survived by her children, Amanda (husband Jacek Cieply) and Michael (fiancé Josie Derrick); three grandchildren, Natalia Cieply, Alyssa Oliver, and Michal Cieply; niece Cristina Bauss; nephew Gidnei Maran; eight brothers: Nicanor, Josafat, Jehu, Armando, João, Pedro, Nereu, and Daniel; and numerous other beloved Brazilian family members whose names could not possibly fit onto this page.

A graveside memorial service will be held by McCormick and Son on Saturday, December 12th at 1 p.m. at El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest, CA., with Pastor Ken Studer of Orange Coast SDA Church presiding. We look forward to being able to celebrate this incredible woman on this day.

Due to Covid restrictions, space is limited to 50 people, so the service will be by invitation only.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."