Olivia Casas, 63, of Lafayette, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.
She was born February 7, 1962, in Tlaltenango, Zacatecas, Mexico to Dionicio Garcia and Celia Del Real. On May 30, 1981, Olivia married her best friend and love of her life, Ismael Casas in Los Angeles, California. He survives.
Olivia dedicated 16 years to Purdue University, where she found not just a job but a community she loved. She cherished her work and the colleagues who became friends. Her curiosity, generosity, and steady teamwork left a lasting impact on students and staff alike, and her positive spirit will be remembered for years to come.
She was a long-time member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, where she cherished her faith, family, and friends. She lived each day rooted in God, showing love, kindness, and strength to everyone around her.
Olivia loved every moment with her family. Family dinners were among her favorite moments. She truly enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandson were deeply special to her. Crocheting was one of her go-to hobbies for relaxation. She loved to travel.
Along with her husband, Ismael, she is survived by her 3 children, Olivia (George) Castaneda, Gerardo (Judy) Casas, and Lupe (Jacob) Casas; her grandchildren, Eliseo Castaneda, Diego Castaneda, Orlando Castaneda, Isaac Casas, Liana Casas, Aaron Casas, Romelio Guerrero, Evaluna Guerrero; her great-grandson, Eric Castaneda; siblings, Juan Anselmo (Gladis) Garcia, Joel (Ana) Garcia, Rosy (Gera) Garibay, Celestino (Leticia) Garcia, Licha (Armando) Vazquez, Jackie (Gabriel) Gomez.
Olivia is preceded in death by her father, Dionicio Garcia; mother, Celia Del Real; and first-born son, Jose Casas.
Memorial contributions in Olivia’s name may be given to the family to assist with expenses at https://gofund.me/033e2a9fd
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, Indiana 47909.
A rosary will be prayed at 11:15am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:30am, Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 318 N 9th St., Lafayette, Indiana 47904, with Father Jeff Martin officiating.
Interment will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery, 2581 Schuyler Ave., Lafayette, Indiana 47905.