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
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
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.
So deeply saddened to hear about your daughter. Sending lots of love ,prayers and strength for all of you!
Sending your family prayers to be wrapped in love and light throughout this time.
All our love, from our family to yours. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are sending deepest thoughts and strength during this most difficult time.
I trained Olivia during her beginning days at Agrace, she was such an incredible light and an amazing social worker. I am so sorry for your loss of such a great person, she made such a difference in so many lives.
I've only met Olivia a couple of times. She came out to our facility to share her vision while working with Agrace. She hit the ground running. She was exceptionally outgoing and joyful. You could tell she enjoyed helping others in any way she could. We are so sorry for your loss. We are grateful for the opportunity to meet her and see what true passion and selflessness look like in our healthcare environment.
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beautiful daughter. Sending your entire family our Love, hugs and prayers ❤️
I had only briefly known Olivia through our mutual friend, Logan; but, from our interaction, it was clear how kind, uplifting, talkative and personable Olivia was. She had such a lovely smile to share. Wishing nothing but love, support and strength to Olivia’s family and friends during this difficult time.
I only met Olivia once during her time working at Agrace as a fellow social worker. She was a bright light and I could tell that she was an amazing asset to our team. She was so excited to tell us about her recent engagement. I am deeply saddened to hear the news of this loss. Sending love and comfort to her family and friends.
From Don Greschaw: I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you and Kathy Schmitz.
To your family, we are so deeply saddened to learn of your loss. What a beautiful life and person she was. We pray for you all during this unbearable time.
I am stunned and saddened by the loss of Olivia. I am faculty in the UW-Madison School of Social Work. Olivia was such an outstanding social worker that I had her come speak to the students in my Intro to Social Work class each semester. She was thoughtful, energetic, and inspiring. My deepest condolences to John, her family, and friends.
I am a professor at UW-Madison School of Social Work and have known Olivia since 2017 when she enrolled in one of my courses. Olivia went on to take all of my classes, become my teaching assistant (TA), and after graduation, guest lectured in my intro to social work course every fall and spring until my retirement in 2024. Olivia was one of the best students I had in my teaching career: She also was a gifted teacher and speaker. Olivia was a skillful social worker, who was dedicated to addressing social justice issues and to mentoring students interested in medical social work. More than all of this, though, Olivia was genuinely caring, warm, and funny. Olivia never entered a room quietly; rather, she entered with a burst of energy and light, and always with a brilliant smile on her face. She was so very special... I cannot begin to imagine the immense grief and pain you all are feeling at her passing. Please know that I am thinking about you now and will continue to do so in the years to come. I will never forget Olivia...
Olivia was my mom’s social worker during an extended stay at UW Hospital. She was so compassionate and helped us through a very difficult time. I am sad to hear of her passing.
I never met Olivia in-person. I work in the Community, and we connected on many patients. She was a fierce advocate, detailed planner, and thoughtful social worker. She always went above and beyond to ensure the patients she worked with had the best opportunities to succeed. I'm saddened to hear that I won't have an opportunity to problem solve solutions with Olivia anymore. Her spirit to do what's right for the patient was contagious. I hope all she influenced, including myself, continue to carry that passion for justice with us into the community.
Our family is saddened to hear about Olivia. Sending you all our deepest sympathies. Hugs to you Amy, Manny, Elise and Adam❤️.
Bear Hugs to the entire Orencia family! Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Olivia was such a bright light and advocate for her patients A true blessing to those she helped. My deepest sympathies as her presence will be missed.
I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Olivia. I was Oliva's supervisor during her internship in the Capitol (and fellow MSW). When she completed her internship she gave me a thank you card saying I helped her determine she did not want to pursue macro social work and instead was going to focus on hospital social work during her MSW program. I joked that I didn't think that was my objective! In reading the other comments, it is clear that was the right move and that Olivia had an impact on many. I know the pain is deep and will last a lifetime, and I am sorry to Olivia's family, fiancé, and friends that they lost such a special person.
My deepest condolences to you all. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all, and sending lots of love from Colorado <3
Sending all my love and prayers to you all. I still remember Olivia’s positive, upbeat attitude as we got ready for the early morning swim practices when she was younger.
I’m sorry I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting you but I’m sure you were awesome. Adam is like a brother to me and I wish I was able to encounter your presence just once.
A bright light gone way too soon, but her influence will shine through all who she touched. My thoughts are with the Orencia family and all of her friends
Sending light and love to you all. ❤️
What an absolute tragedy. My heart goes out to all who love Olivia.
Being your neighbor iam shattered listening Olivia’s sudden demise ,Life is very unpredictable.Me and girls are deeply sad about Olivia but that’s iam sure ,she is in better place now.Sending love and strength to you my dear Amy,Manny,Elise and Adam ….Stay strong ,I will keep you in my prayers ….Me and girls are always here for your support .
Amy and Manny - I am so, so sorry. What a lovely daughter, sister, friend and fiancée she was. 😔💔