Obituary of Olga Otero Litel

Olga Marie Otero Litel was born on June 4, 1935 in Tucson, Arizona. She passed away in Tucson on March 12, 2012. Olga joined her beloved Mother, Otilia “Tillie” Marie Otero and Father, Fernando Kilbray Otero in heaven. Olga passed peacefully surrounded by family while gazing into the eyes of her “soul mate” and husband of almost 50 years, James Kennedy Litel. Olga or “Olgita,” as family and friends called her, lived a life devoted to God and her family. Olga’s religion was her most important source of inspiration. She was a devoted Catholic and adored the Virgin Mary throughout her entire life. At the core of her life were extraordinary values that made everyone she encountered feel loved and respected. Her passion for life and her love for Tucson lead her to serve the community through several organizations including U of A Cooperative Extension (Homemakers, EFNEP), 4H, Scouting, St. Joseph’s Parish, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Clinic, Hospice, Arizona Historical Society, Community Food Bank, Tucson Bicentennial Celebration and the Catholic Church. Olga worked as a dental assistant, owned a small business and retired as a health educator for the University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension. Olga’s personal life focused on her religion, family and her heritage. Olga was proud of her Hispanic heritage and her strong Tucson roots. Olga served as the Otero/Litel family’s historian and genealogist. Olga researched and traced her ancestry to Spain in the 1730’s. Her family history runs deep in Southern Arizona and includes iconic pioneers like her great grandfather Sabino Otero. In the 1730’s Olga’s ancestors arrived to Mexico from Spain and journeyed north to Southern Arizona where they received a land grant from the King of Spain in 1789. Although history played and important role in her life, Olga also enjoyed “making people feel good and laugh.” Recognizing her appreciation for the benefits of laughter’s she attended Clown College and adopted the character “Paya the Clown.” As a bi-lingual clown, Olga joyfully entertained many people of all ages. She offered her clown services for free at assisted living homes and community centers. Olga and her husband James Kennedy Litel had three children Janice Litel Marley (Ed Marley), James Martin Litel (Janelle Litel), John Fernando Litel (Alexa Litel). Her devotion to her family and strong marriage served as a positive influence on many people in her life. As a mother, Olga instilled her ever-present values of compassion, kindness, humility and determination. Olga was blessed with five grandchildren Aaron Marley, Elyssa Marley (Janice and Ed Marley), Janae Nel Litel (James and Janelle Litel) and Liam Joseph Litel, Donovan Lee Litel (John and Alexa Litel). Her grandchildren became the focus of her life and she was happiest when she was surrounded by them. As a wife Olga referred to her husband, of almost 50 years, James as her “soul mate” and always relied on their love to help celebrate the good times and lift them through the rough times. Olga’s life was motivated by the love she had for her family and her devotion to God. Her humility and grace granted her the opportunity to positively touch many lives. Her sense of humor and passion for serving others enabled her to find personal happiness and understand her role in all of our lives. Her life has inspired many and her legacy of love will forever light the way for her family.