Olivia “Liv” Maria Orencia, a loving daughter, friend and fiancée, passed away on June 18th, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. She was 29 years old. Olivia was surrounded by her friends and family in her final moments after she was hospitalized with an aggressive brain tumor.
Born December 3rd, 1996, Olivia grew up in Algonquin, Illinois. As a toddler, it was clear that Olivia was destined to be the star of the show, and she began dancing shortly after she could walk. A magnetic personality all her life, her friends and family watched and listened as she put on a performance every day.
Olivia was the oldest child and loved making up dances and playing house with her younger sister Elise. Then came Adam, seven years later, and Olivia loved taking care of her baby brother. She had little bangs and reminded many of “Dora the Explorer” in her early childhood. As the oldest sibling, she led by example, setting the bar and expectations high.
Our family was complete – it was the five of us against the world. When she came into the world, Olivia was so precious; she was always by our side and we always kept her safe. After Elise and Adam, we had our nucleus. Olivia played the role of big sister and she did it so well. Her parents couldn’t be happier or prouder of the family they built.
She paved the way for her family in every aspect. They always had so much fun together: they loved to travel, do escape rooms, and play board games. She always knew how to lighten the mood and joke around with her siblings. Olivia sampled new foods and activities, explored new places, and had her own unique and trendy sense of style.
Olivia continued to grow as a person throughout elementary and middle school. She excelled as a dancer, and dipped her toe into other sports such as swimming, golf and volleyball. A Detroit fan through and through, Olivia cheered on the Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings through good and bad.
Once she entered Jacobs High School in Algonquin, Olivia continued shining. She danced on the varsity dance team all four years; there was a reason the Jacobs dance team went to State every year she was there. Olivia and Elise were lucky enough to be on the varsity dance team together for a year. Olivia was an excellent
student, and she was admitted to the University of Wisconsin - Madison to continue her education in the fall of 2015. From this moment on, she was a Badger.
In her undergraduate studies, Olivia initially wanted to pursue mathematics with the end goal of becoming a teacher. Her compassion and diligence led her down a different path: Social Work. Olivia enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program, and graduated with her undergraduate degree in 2019, and her Master’s degree in 2020. While at UW, she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. She choreographed the Humorology charity dance show, and coached for the Universal Dance Association. Elise shadowed in her footsteps, following her to UW-Madison a few years later; they would go on to spend many years together in Wisconsin.
Entering healthcare during a global pandemic was daunting, but Olivia was up for the challenge. In the summer of 2020, she started as a Social Worker at UW Health University Hospital in Madison. Thrown into the fire, Olivia navigated with the skill of a seasoned veteran as she advocated for her patients and guided others through sickness and loss. Instantly, Olivia was making a difference for patients and their families. Olivia worked in this role for the next five years, until she moved to Agrace Hospice Care as a Palliative Social Worker in February, 2026. She was so excited for this next step in her career; she was valued by her Agrace co-workers and new patients alike.
As Olivia navigated Madison in the Spring of 2021, she met a fellow Badger undergraduate and law student, John Moroney. They met on a dating app, and after being turned away from their dinner reservation at Cento due to capacity restrictions, they shared a meal at John’s apartment. They talked all night, and both knew it was the start of something special.
Olivia supported John throughout law school, overlooking the fact that he was broke and always studying, and their love flourished. They moved into an apartment in downtown Madison in June of 2024. In August, John took Olivia on a backcountry hiking trip in Yosemite National Park. Olivia was a natural in the woods and, despite the bugs, she loved being outside with John.
October 2024 marked another challenge, as John was diagnosed with Von-Hippel Lindau Syndrome and had emergency brain surgery. Olivia advocated for John throughout his ten day hospital stay. He felt her love every moment he was awake, and dreamt about her while he was asleep. She continued caring for him as
he endured another brain surgery, adrenal surgery and two spinal surgeries over the next year. Without a doubt, Olivia saved John’s life.
On March 21st, 2026, Olivia and John were engaged. John proposed to Olivia in Giddings Park, a place dear to their hearts. Olivia glowed even more than usual in the following weeks, with the engagement ring sparkling on her finger and the promise of marriage in her heart. They considered going to the courthouse to tie the knot, but decided that they wanted to say their vows at a wedding. John and Olivia were set to be married on July 24th, 2027, and could not wait for their friends and family to celebrate their love in Madison. Their five-year anniversary was June 11th, 2026.
Olivia was diagnosed with a brain tumor, likely a glioma, on Monday, June 15th, 2026. She felt John’s loving touch and heard his words before she slipped into a deep sleep. Their love is eternal, as is the love felt by her family and friends. Olivia is survived by her parents, Amy and Manny Orencia, her siblings, Elise and Adam, and her beloved 14-year-old dog, Sanders. Olivia touched the lives of countless friends, patients, co-workers and strangers.
No matter how dark or cold the night, Olivia hoped for the warm sun. She was always so happy to feel the rays on her face. “Oh, the sun!” she’d exclaim.
Visitation will be on Saturday, June 27, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the last hour will be reserved for brief statements of love and remembrance by her family all at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
Any gifts in Olivia’s name will be used to create a memorial bench, trees and a flower patch in her honor. Please make out checks to Amy and Manny Orencia, or donate to this link: https://gofund.me/c8e0c5dab. Any funds which exceed Olivia’s memorial installation will be donated to a charity on her behalf. She loved dance, nature and helping others always.
“Please use this album to share photos, videos, or your favorite memories with Olivia.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2viaFPj4Fcej1koE8
Olivia Orencia - 12/3/1996 - 6/18/2026
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My deepest heartfelt condolences to all of you. I will hold you all close in my heart ❤️
Our family is thinking of you during this difficult time. I pray for your continued strength as you navigate through this loss. Hugs to you Amy, Manny, Elise and Adam. Take care
We are so sorry for your family’s loss. Olivia was an amazing, kind soul. Sending our prayers and hugs to all.
Rick and I are deeply sorry about your daughter’s passing. God bless all of you at this time and always.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Sending you love, strength and prayers to you.