Tribute for Olivia Bieri:
It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Olivia Bieri, a bright and compassionate nursing student from Missouri, who left this world far too soon. Olivia passed away after a courageous battle with illness, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Her strength, humor, and loving spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who had the honor of knowing her.
There are moments in life that seem too cruel to be real—and losing Olivia is one of them. She was the kind of friend who made you feel safe, understood, and endlessly loved. She brought laughter into everyday life, even in the darkest moments, and created bonds that were deep, lasting, and full of joy.
Her battle was long and incredibly hard. She never gave up, even when her body began to fail her. The last time I planned to visit, she messaged to say she wasn’t feeling well, and I cried—not out of frustration, but out of helpless love. When her mom shared that Olivia was no longer in pain, I collapsed in tears. It didn’t feel real. It still doesn’t.
Olivia had a special way of showing up for people. I remember the late-night phone calls while she was away at college—laughing so hard we couldn’t breathe. We didn’t always need to talk. Just being on the phone together was enough. She told the best stories, full of little details that made you feel like you were right there with her. Her joy was infectious.
We met in high school and connected instantly. I’d never built a friendship so quickly or so effortlessly. Her quirks, like peeking her head into the bathroom stall—or even crawling under the door just to talk—are memories I’ll cherish forever. And who could forget the time I dropped my sushi in her car? I was mortified, but Olivia just laughed it off. That night, we curled up in her bed with Josey and drifted to sleep like we always did: with hearts full of love.
Even in her hardest moments, she thought of others. I reached out to her mom just a week ago to say I was thinking of her. Her mom told Olivia that I loved her—and I’m forever grateful those words reached her in time. I didn’t know the last Snap I received from her would be the final one. But in true Olivia fashion, it carried a quiet warmth and a reminder of her fight.
She fought so hard. So bravely. Olivia was the embodiment of grace and resilience. She was pursuing a career in nursing because she wanted to heal others the way she had so often healed those around her with her presence, humor, and unwavering kindness. The world has lost not only a beautiful soul but a future nurse who would have made an immeasurable difference.
To Olivia’s family, thank you for sharing her with us. She was your daughter, your sister—but she was also a beacon of light to so many. And to Olivia: I hope you’re at peace now. I hope you’re resting, surrounded by all the love you gave to this world. If love alone could have healed you, you would have lived forever. We didn’t get to say everything. That’s how it goes. But I hope you felt it, Olivia. I hope you knew how deeply you were loved—how much you still are. You fought the good fight. You were brave beyond words. You’ve earned your rest now. Rest easy, Olivia. You will never, ever be forgotten.