Olivia Handley

Olivia Teresa Handley, age 73 passed away on Thursday 30th, April 2020 at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Hospital after a short but fierce battle with coronavirus and double pneumonia. She is now with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her two children Shila and Rogelio who preceded her in death.

Olivia was born in Colon Panama on August 4th, 1946 where she was educated, lived and worked, then she gave birth to and raised five children.

Olivia migrated to the United States of America in 1998 and settled in Brooklyn New York her new home away from home. Being a smart and independent Panamanian woman, Olivia quickly obtained employment and secured an apartment and she also sought out and befriended other Panamanian immigrants and family’s within Brooklyn’s East Flatbush neighborhoods. Michelle’s Cocktail Lounge located on Bedford Ave is a favorite Panamanian meeting place and was one of Olivia’s favorite restaurants to hangout, eat and meet other Panamanian’s.

Olivia desired and searched for a better life in the United States and was always busy working. Her love for assisting people allowed her to work in security where she maintained peace and order, and enjoyed answering questions and giving directions.

She also loved working within the food industry as a cashier and customer service representative where her kind, open and honest personality was greatly appreciated. She would often save her hard earned money and purchase items to send to her family in Panama.

Olivia had a deep love and respect for God and regularly attended church services at Emmanuel Pentecostal Church. She also read the Bible daily and would advise everyone to do the same, and then ask the question “Are you going to church today?” Her favorite Bible chapter was Psalms 121.

She loved people and was always kind and compassionate to both friends and strangers, and she would often give money or food to needy people. Olivia was a simple woman who found great pleasure in enjoying a simple life.

She was always grateful to God for everything she possessed and experienced.

Olivia is survived by her son Ricardo Donaldson and daughter-in-law Jessica, Daughter Jacqueline Jackman and son-in-law Corey, son Emilio.

Eleven grand-children Ricardo Antonio, Ashley, Anthony, Josneilla, Ricardo Rogelio, Latisha, Shawn, James, Jillian, Emily and Emilito.

Seven great grand-children Ricardo Aymar, Thiago, Brooklyn, Shawn Jr., Kali, Cyre and Tobias.

Olivia is also survived by a sister Eveline Beatrice Wilmont and a

brother Francisco Handley.

Olivia is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Olivia Teressa Handley was a kind and loving mother, grand mother, great grand mother, sister, auntie and friend who will be dearly missed.

Private cremation will take place on the morning of Saturday 16th, May 2020. Olivia’s ashes will travel to her beloved home of Panama in the months following cremation.

“Olivia’s family is grateful and very appreciative to everyone who made donations and expressed kind sentiments during this time of loss.”