A small placard that Olinda gave to me during college. I've always kept it on my desk.

There was one person who I went to every year of school with......Olinda. We met in first grade at K.I.Jones Elementary, where we graduated from eighth grade together. Then we went to Armijo High School, until we graduated together. And then on to UC Davis.....and again, graduated together. But, we were much more than just classmates. We always had a very special friendship, that I've always cherished. She was one of the nicest and kindest person I've ever known. I will miss her very much. She also had a great family. When I was 16YO, her dad gave me my first real job at his men's clothing store, Freitas Toggery (next to Joe's Buffet). Olinda worked there too, along with her mom and dad. And it's where I met, Nick, who also worked there. So, it was a family business, that I got to be a part of. And I got to see and feel the close bond between them all.

40th High School Reunion — with Bob Harada and Bob Polanshek with Olinda

I am very saddened to hear of Olinda’s passing.  She was truly a genuinely kind person with a huge heart.  We had many laughs together throughout high school.  She actually was one of my first high school dates, where we went to see Taj Mahal and Boz Scaggs with Bob Harada and LeBonte Kanoff.  My heart goes out to Nick and her boys.  She will be in my thoughts and prayers, and will definitely be missed. 🙏🌸❤️

Olinda was my bestie for a few years in elementary school - but she was EVERYONE’S friend. We used to walk to WonderWorld to buy 5-packs of cinnamon gum, singing Monkees songs or harmonizing to choir music the whole way! Her favorite Monkee was Davy - mine was Mickey. 😁 Occasionally we had sleepovers where we’d talk into the early morning hours and suck on Nut Tree suckers until our tongues were sore! It was during one of those marathon gab-fests when she first shared a developing crush on her Nick; and we all know where that led!💜 To paraphrase an old pastry ad, nobody didn’t like Olinda Prather. She had a smile that lit up a room; a warm, gentle way about her that endeared her to so many; and she was such a good listener. And, oh! How I envied her hair!!! She is gone too, too soon, but I am so grateful to have known her. She leaves behind a loving and devoted family; a host of friends; and the legacy of a life well-lived.

I had the blessing of meeting Olinda a few times and her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression. She was clearly deeply loved and her legacy lives on through the beautiful family she raised. Praying God’s peace and comfort over you all during this time. Love always, Ashley K 🙏✝️

Thinking about you and your family during this difficult time, Greg & Meli. Sending hugs and love from SoCal. 

Greg and Meli, I am so sorry for your loss. The memories you shared of Olinda are beautiful, may that always live in you. I’ll be keeping you and your family in my prayers, may you feel God’s comfort in this difficult time. 

We are so sorry for your loss Greg. Your mom sounds like a beautiful woman who loved her family well, and our family has received that same love passed down through you.A verse I hold onto in moments like these is this:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”Revelations 21:4-5a

Greg and Meli...We are thinking of you. We are sad for your family's loss, but take comfort that your mother now lives free from the pains of cancer with great representatives of her in you and your family. Thank you for sharing your love of her with us. Praying for you and your family.

Olinda was a wonderful, loving and generous friend who we will deeply miss. She always brightened any gathering and we loved visiting with both Nick and Olinda. We’re thankful for Olinda’s faith and take comfort in knowing that she is now fully healthy and rejoicing with the Lord. May His hand be on Nick and all of Olinda’s family during this difficult time. 

This was a wonderful tribute you all wrote for Olinda. These were all the things I’ve been thinking about her. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you, Bill and Kathy.

Greg & Meli, I’m so sorry to hear of Greg’s mom’s passing. Your family still is in my heart, and it hurts for you. Love you.