Cecelia A. Olives (Rowan)

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for the life she lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Cecelia A. Olives (Rowan) on May 9, 2026, at SkylinePlace in Sonora, California. Cecelia was born in the charming town of Los Gatos, California, on March 25, 1935, to her loving parents, Florence and Dempsey Dennis. Cecelia's journey in life was marked by her dedication to family, education, and the simple joys that enriched her soul. A proud graduate of Los Gatos High School, she furthered her education at San Jose State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree that would become the foundation for her impactful career as a high school teacher. Throughout the 1960s, Cecelia shared her passion for knowledge with students at Modesto and Grace Davis High Schools in Modesto, California, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to learn from her. In the early 1960s, Cecelia married her first husband, Melvin D. Rowan, with whom she nurtured a loving family and raised two wonderful sons, David C. Rowan and Don E. Rowan. Her family was the centerpiece of her life, and her love for her children and grandchildren was boundless. After Melvin's passing in 1999, Cecelia found love once more and married Leonard R. Olives in 2009, with whom she shared years of companionship and happiness until his passing in 2025. Cecelia's warmth and kindness extended beyond her family, as she devoted countless hours volunteering at Doctor’s Medical Center in Modesto, California. Her heart was as open as the roads she traveled, as Cecelia was a world traveler who always returned home with stories of adventure and a heart full of memories. A lover of the outdoors, she enjoyed dabbling in golf, camping under the stars, and walking miles and miles, ever curious and eager to explore the world around her. She is predeceased by her first husband, Melvin D. Rowan, her recent spouse, Leonard R. Olives, and her beloved brother, Donald Dennis. Her legacy of love and strength lives on in her cherished sons, David and Don, and her two precious grandchildren who brought her immense joy. Cecelia’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff of SkylinePlace and Adventist Hospice in Sonora, California, for their exceptional care and support during Cecelia's final months. In honoring Cecelia's wishes, a private funeral ceremony will be held to celebrate her remarkable life. Her family invites those who knew her to remember her spirited life, her endless curiosity, and her unwavering love for her family and friends. Though Cecelia has departed from this world, her spirit will forever be a guiding light to those who loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and an adventurous spirit that will continue to inspire us all.