Obituary of Christine Olivieri

Christine “Tina” Olivieri After a courageous four-year battle with cancer, Christine “Tina” (Arce) Olivieri, 82 of Vineland, was welcomed home by the Lord on Thursday, December 3rd, 2020. She passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side. Tina was born in NYC and was raised in Dover, NJ. She graduated from Trenton State College with a degree in health and physical education in 1960. Tina met the love of her life Bernie at Trenton State in 1958 and they married in 1960. They settled in Vineland, where together they built their home and raised two children. Tina began her teaching career at Oakcrest High School, and later taught at Veterans Memorial School. She paused her teaching career in 1968 to raise her children. Tina resumed her teaching career at Landis Intermediate School in 1980 and remained there until her retirement in 1999. During Tina’s 27 years of teaching she touched the lives of countless students and was overjoyed when several former students went on to become health/physical education teachers because of her. Giving back to her community was very important to Tina. She volunteered at Spirit and Truth Ministry soup kitchen, The American Red Cross, and was a mentor to students at Pauline Petway School. Tina was very active in the Cumberland County Community Church where she found a second family and home. She was an avid traveler having visited the majority of US states and many countries including Italy, Hungary, Greenland, Iceland, Austria, Spain and Portugal. Her favorite trip was to Israel in 2011 where she was baptized in the Jordan River. In addition to traveling, Tina also enjoyed sewing, crafting, shopping, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles and spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she was involved in every aspect of their lives. She was their biggest supporter and could always be found cheering them on at their soccer games and dance recitals. Tina will be lovingly remembered by her children, Lianne Fanucci (David) and Michael Olivieri (Barbie); grandchildren, Carly and David Fanucci, Cheyenne and Jace Olivieri; sister, Lori Blitz (Abe); brothers, Scott Taylor (Donna) and Dean Taylor and cat Maggie. Tina was predeceased by her husband, Bernie; mother, Margaret Taylor; father, Diego Arce and brother, Roger Arce. She will be forever loved and missed by her family and many friends. Tina’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Negin, the doctors, nurses and staff at Southern Oncology Hematology Associates for their kindness, compassion and outstanding care. She loved everyone there and considered them her very special friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tina’s name to South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter, 1244 N. Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360 or Cumberland County Community Church, 1800 East Broad Street, Millville, NJ 08332. A scholarship fund has also been set up in Tina’s name to a local student who plans to pursue a career in education. Contributions to the scholarship fund can be made out to: Tina Olivieri Scholarship Fund, ℅ Lianne Fanucci, 970 Tanglewood Lane, Vineland, NJ 08360. Due to the current pandemic, funeral arrangements are private. The family is planning a Celebration of Life service in the spring when everyone can safely gather. Arrangements are by DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland. Memories, thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family by visiting dlfuneral.com.