Obituary of Lajla Oliva

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lajla N. Oliva (Carlson).  She passed away at Empath Suncoast Hospice in Palm Harbor, Florida on December 26^th surrounded by those that loved her at the age of 84.

Born and raised in East Hanover, she graduated from Madison High School in 1957 and in 1958 from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School.  That same year she married her husband and moved to Chatham.  They began raising their family in Livingston before finally settling in Randolph.

Lajla was a homemaker.  She was a wonderful cook, a superb baker, a talented seamstress, and enjoyed knitting, crossword puzzles and gardening.  She took great joy attending any activity her grandchildren were involved in.  Most importantly, she was the most compassionate, selfless, kindest, and caring person to her family, friends, and strangers alike.  Her loss is immense.

She was pre-deceased by her mother and father, Robert and Eva Carlson, and her brother-in-law, George Bock.  She is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Carroll, and their children, Susan Francisco, Michael (Trish) Oliva, and Stephanie (Harry) Ko along with her cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Zachary and Anika Francisco and Connor, Noah, and Caitlin Ko.  She is also survived by her sister Carol Bock, in-laws Joseph and Judy Oliva and Tom and Suzanne Flynn, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  She gave much love to her beloved cats, Buddy and Missy.

The family would like to thank everyone who supported Lajla and her family as she battled Alzheimer’s Disease.  A memorial service will be held at Tuttle Funeral Home on June 1, 2024, from 11 AM – 1 PM.  Burial is private.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association or the Randolph Animal Shelter.