OLIVIA BALDERRAMA

Olivia Balderrama, passed away at 68 years old on December 1st, 2024, after her battle with Amyloidosis. Olivia was born on October 10th, 1956, to Mariana and Elias Balderrama in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Olivia had a zest for life. She enjoyed art, music, fine cuisine, good vibes and loved experiencing new things. She did marathons, hikes, walks, pilates, just to name a few. Her FAVORITE thing to do was plan vacations and embraced any opportunity to travel. She was able to see places such as Europe, Maldives, Alaska, Canada, Jamaica, South Africa, Peru, Mexican cities and many more.

Olivia was a warm, caring, intelligent, hardworking and beautiful individual who left a great impact on many people’s lives. She had a heart of gold and cared not only for friends and family but the community as well. Throughout her career she was involved in many organizations, such as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Soroptimist, Planning Commission, Mecha and Rotary.

After Olivia graduated from Perris High in 1976, she went to study Business Administration at UCR, graduating in 1980 then received her Master’s degree in 1982. After graduating with a degree in Business she started her first county job at the County of Riverside. Olivia continued moving up and reached management positions. She began working in the city of Perris and eventually became the Planning Director. After a very lengthy career for the City of Perris, she went on to work as the Legislative Assistant under the 3rd District Supervisor of The County of Riverside. Olivia retired from the County of Riverside in December of 2019. Olivia couldn’t handle retirement long. She did consulting work until going back and was sworn in as the 3rd District Planning Commissioner of the County of Riverside on February 24th, 2024.  Unfortunately, Olivia had to step down from her position in July due to suffering from a stroke.

Olivia was predeceased by her father Elias Balderrama. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Marlena Gonzalez, her Son Adam Gutierrez, her grandchildren: Jacquelyn, Crystal, Brooke, Jacob, Joseph, her mother Mariana Balderrama, her siblings: Teresa, Natalie, Mary, Elias Jr, and many nieces and nephews.