Olivia A. Waishek, 72, of West Roxbury, formerly of Hudson St. in Boston's South Cove, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017. Her commitment to her community was second only to her love of family and friends.
A devoted, life-long parishioner of the Church of St. John of Damascus as a member and past President of the Church Committee, Olivia played a significant role in working to provide the nine beautiful crystal chandeliers that hang in the church today. Olivia was also a member of the Order of St. Ignatius.
Olivia was an incredible asset to the City of Boston and her neighborhood of West Roxbury. She spent many years serving the community as part of various organizations. Extremely proud of her Syrian roots, Olivia worked tirelessly for AABA and was instrumental in the construction and development of Cherition Heights in West Roxbury.
She was a member and past president of the West Roxbury Civic and Improvement Association, and a devoted member of the Syrian Lebanese Women's Club of Greater Boston. She was involved with neighborhood politics, and as Zoning Commissioner aided in the restoration of Chinatown and the Hudson Street area. She also served as a member of the Planning Board of the City of Boston with the late Mayor Thomas Menino. She once held the distinguished position of Honorary Mayor of West Roxbury. She was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Nicholas G. Beram Veterans Association.
Olivia was the dear and devoted daughter of the late Ameen and Mary (Nashawaty); loving sister of Haney Waishek and Corrine Solomon both of West Roxbury, and the late Freddie Waishek; sister in-law of the late Marie Waishek and Jimmy Solomon; loving Aunt of Doreen Waishek and Freddie Waishek, both of West Roxbury; Mary DeSimone and her husband Charles of Dennis; Michael Waishek and his wife Mary of Dedham; Mary Topjian and her husband Chip of Westwood; and Jimmy Solomon and his wife Margaret of Dedham. She was also the beloved great-aunt of Kristina, Marie, Corinne, Charles, James, Olivia and Paul and great-great aunt of Brooke. She is also survived by 10 godchildren and many loving cousins and a plethora of friends.
Olivia's Funeral Service will be held Monday, November 27, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the Church of St. John of Damascus, 300 West St. in Dedham. Visiting hours will be held in the church on Sunday 3-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Contributions in Olivia's memory may be made to AABA, 18 Cheriton Rd. West Roxbury, MA 02132 or to the church. She will be laid to rest with her parents at Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park.