Olivia Chambers

Olivia Chambers

Olivia Chambers passed away at the age of 11 Thursday, January 10, 2008, at her home on Mackinac Island.

She was born January 3, 1997, in Cheboygan to Jody and Mark Chambers. Since birth, she had suffered a neuromuscular disorder that limited her movement and prevented speech.

Nevertheless, she was an active fifth grade student at Mackinac Island Public School.

"Olivia delighted in school," said Karen Allen, a teacher and special education advisor. "She truly enjoyed the kids and staff. She loved to come to school. She loved the simplest of things. She loved music and books. She loved running her hands under water. Those are the things we will remember, and those are the things we will miss."

A cheerful child, Olivia Chambers was well liked and cared for by the community, her teachers said. The school was closed Tuesday, January 15, the day of her funeral.

"The few short years she was around," said school secretary Barb Fisher, "she still had an affect on many people because she helped us to see if you smile, the day can look brighter."

In addition to her parents, she is survived by three sisters, Emma, Maggie, and Clara; two brothers, Richard and Robert; her grandmother, Joyce Chambers of Crivitz, Wisconsin; her grandfather, Richard Johnson of Clarklake, and by many aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by a grandfather, Pat Chambers, and grandmother, Jody Johnson.

Visitation was held at the family home in Stonecliffe Monday, January 14.

Father Jim Williams presided over services at Ste. Anne's Church on Mackinac Island at noon Tuesday, January 15. A luncheon followed at Community Hall.

Pallbearers were Richard Chambers, Robert Chambers, Daniel Johnson, and Mark Bradley.

Burial will be in Ste. Anne's Cemetery on Mackinac Island.

Memorials may be sent to the Olivia Chambers Fund for Chronic Diseases, Mackinac Island Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1933, Mackinac Island, MI 49757.

Dodson Funeral Home of St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements.