Olivia Chambers
By Jeannette Doud

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Ev'ry where I go, I'm gonna let it shine." Olivia Ann Chambers' light touched the hearts of everyone she met in her short life of 11 years. She was born January 3, 1997, one of six children of Jody and Mark Chambers. Early in her childhood, she suffered from an undiagnosed rare neuromuscular disease, which never hindered her radiant smile, precious personality, and courageous will to live. She was truly an inspiration. On Thursday, January 10, she died at her home on Mackinac Island, surrounded by her loving family. The care and devotion that Olivia received from her parents, brothers, sisters, and two faithful friends, Annabelle and Charlie, was exceptional. The entire community gave wonderful support to this very special little girl.

She attended the Mackinac Island Public School, where she arrived each day in her special wheelchair and was greeted warmly by her friend, Mike Bradley, head custodian. She loved school and being with all of her friends.

Father Rey Garcia, pastor at Ste. Anne's, was a shining star in Olivia's life. He would often visit her beside, playing his guitar and singing to her. Olivia could not speak, but she was able to call him "Pa."

One year at Christmas Eve Mass, Fr. Jim Williams invited Olivia to carry the Christ Child to the manager. She was escorted by her brother, Robert, in her wheelchair. Rest assured there was not a dry eye in the church on that holy night.

Let us not forget Olivia's constant companion, her 11- year-old tiger cat named "Tigger" that seldom left her side. Her little hand would always pat his head and he gave her much comfort.

On Monday, January 14, family and friends gathered at the Chambers home at Stonecliffe, where a wake service was held for Olivia, who was surrounded by beautiful flowers. At 7 p.m., Fr. Jim Williams offered prayers. Outside the home, in remembrance of Olivia, the family built a beautiful snow angel, which sparkled in the sunlight.

Fr. Williams, assisted by Deacon Don Olmstead of St. Ignace, was celebrant of the Mass offered for Olivia Tuesday, January 15. The church was overflowing with family and friends who came from far and near to pay their last respects. Pianist John Kissane and choir members provided beautiful music. Olivia was eulogized by her sister, Emma, her aunt, Linda McKee, and Fr. Williams as a teacher who loved the simple things in life and taught everyone patience, love, and courage. In the spring, she was thrilled to hold a dandelion, to go for a bicycle ride with her parents, and to watch a movie with her little sister, Clara. As the family left the church, the choir concluded the service by singing "On Eagle's Wings."

Mackinac was never so magnificent with the first big snowfall of the season. Riding through the wooded area, we saw the tree branches hung low under the weight of the fresh snow and the sky was a brilliant blue as Olivia was taken to her final resting place by a Mackinac horse and sled, escorted by her pallbearers, her brothers, Richard and Robert, her cousin, David Johnson, and a special friend, Mike Bradley. She was placed in Ste. Anne's cemetery next to her beloved grandfather, Patrick W. Chambers, as more than 75 people attended Fr. Jim's final blessing. May she rest in peace.

Olivia is survived by her parents, Mark and Jody, two brothers, Richard and Robert, three sisters, Emma, Maggie, and Clara, a grandmother, Joyce Chambers, a grandfather, Richard Johnson, other members of the Johnson and Chambers families, and Aunt Jeannette and Margaret Doud.

A luncheon followed in the Community Hall.

Memorials may be made to the Olivia Chambers Fund at the Mackinac Island Community Foundation.

To Olivia,

There are those whose lives remind us

Of the sunset's warming glow.

They leave a touch of glory Lingering after they go.