Olivia Marie Grace Hoagland

Olivia Marie Grace Hoagland, 20, passed peacefully at home on August 2, 2024.Olivia was born June 7, 2004, to Warren Heath Hoagland and Laura Whitney Hoagland.

Olivia was born with bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria, which are big words that we really can’t spell without looking up.  She had a few extra folds in her brain that caused multiple mental and physical delays. Mentally she was a very young child.  Olivia enjoyed simple things in life: eating, drinking, floating in the pool, boat rides, golf cart rides and anything Norah Jones. 

However, Olivia’s special needs were her secret cover here on earth. 

She stole food with these incredible arms that seemed to grow whenever food or drink were around (we referred to as go-go gadget arms). She had radar-like vision to find what she desired.  Her headbutting power could knock out teeth (just ask her dad).  Her clap was loud and proud. She played coy with many, but if Olivia loved you, you knew it.  Hugs with superhuman effect. She had this unique power to love without ever speaking a word.  Her laugh was a showstopper. Olivia didn’t wear a cape, but she wore a smile that was contagious.  Her ability to overcome so much in this earthly life was awe inspiring.  She was our hero and hero to so many others she met.  We were privileged to be her family. She was imperfectly made in God’s perfect image. 

Olivia is survived by her parents Laura and Heath.  Olivia has two amazing brothers, Aidan (13) and Eli (12).  Per Aidan, “Olivia was a trickster to steal snacks.  She would fake hug and steal my snacks in the car.  However, she was a good car riding buddy.”  Eli says,” Olivia had bony elbows and used them to her advantage to clear her spot on the couch.”  Bella and Lucy (our dogs) are wondering where their next meal is coming from as food and dropped drink cups will be rarer in our house.

Olivia was preceded in death by her older sister Ella Faith and maternal grandparents Bruce and Carole Whitney.  Surviving paternal grandparents are Paul (Ann) Hoagland and Connie (Dan) Egbers.  She has many uncles, aunts, cousins and other extended family that loved her for her.

Matthew 18: 2-5 “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.”

Please join us at Southeast Christian Church-Prospect on Thursday August 8, 2024 at 4pm to honor our God and Olivia.  We plan to have a Celebration of Life to share memories and a picture slide show immediately following at Hunting Creek Country Club beginning around 5:30 pm.  Dressy casual is appropriate and recommend purple or pink to celebrate Olivia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Kourageous Kids, Molly Johnson Foundation, or any charity or special education program of your choosing.  Our special needs kids need your help, we would be deeply honored if you would strongly consider a donation to these worthy causes.

We love you, Oliva.  We miss you, Olivia.  We will see you again Olivia.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Olivia Marie Grace Hoagland, please visit our floral store.