Olivia Bishop was an exquisitely unique and loving individual whose precious life was lost on the 27th of November 2023 at the age of 24. Olivia is survived by their parents, Jim and Cindy Bishop of Alexis, IL, sister Caitlen (Geoffry) Hahn of Geneseo, IL, admiring relatives, and several adoring friends. Additionally, Olivia is survived by three cats named Annie, Laverne, and Meadow that they loved more than most things in this world.
On the 2nd of October 1999, one of the sweetest souls began their life on this planet. Olivia sprouted up into a successful student at United High School and effectively danced their way through life. Throughout high school, Olivia participated in numerous dance competitions and performances. All That Dance provided young students the advantage of being taught by Olivia from 2016 to 2019 and Olivia’s choreography was included in multiple performances and competitions. Olivia began attending Carl Sandburg College in 2018. During their time at CSC, they excelled in their classes as an honors student and were on the Dean’s List all four semesters of their Associate in Arts degree. Due to their academic success, they were inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Furthermore, Olivia was the Student Trustee to the Carl Sandburg College Board of Trustees during the 2019-2020 school year, a CSC tutor, a peer mentor with TRIO Student Support Services, a percussionist and the first dancer of the CSC band, and a member of the CSC premier honorary organization Woman of Character with the honor of an Academic Excellence Award during the Recognition and Awards Assembly of 2019. In the fall of 2020, Olivia continued their education at Western Illinois University working towards a Bachelors in Psychology and a Dance Minor. Olivia’s academic success streak continued as they consistently made the Dean’s List and graduated with high honors, Summa Cum Laude. When not focusing on research projects and other assignments, they graced the stage as a dancer and choreographer of the WIU University Dance Theatre programs. Olivia also volunteered for the HOTLINE Program that is in place through the WIU Psychology Department.
Outside of academic and professional dance excursions, Olivia can be described as nothing short of a wonder. Of course, even in their free time Olivia was always dancing, choreographing pieces inspired by friendship and love. There are few people who can show their love with such precise action as Olivia did. Always ready to lend an ear or a hand to both friends and family, always ready to give crafts, paintings, trinkets, and treats which they loved to shower people with. Being in Olivia’s circle provided even more than just outstanding love. If you ever needed a good music recommendation, Olivia had the best and one of the broadest music tastes around. On top of recommendations, they loved to take their friends to concerts and gigs, or just happily spend an evening doing nothing but listening to music together. Music was an integral part of Olivia’s experience in this world; it’s impossible to listen to Queen and not think of them. Olivia loved to expand themself as a person, experimental hair styles done by friends, new hobbies, new tattoos, new influential books and perspectives. When at home, Olivia loved their cats so much and smothered them with affection, namely Meadow, who they nursed back to being and took incredible care with through many issues. Olivia was known to do such things and had a heart for the hurt and suffering, Olivia could not turn a blind eye to injustice and was a fierce protector and advocate to those around them.
To say Olivia was loved deeply by those who truly knew and understood them is an understatement, it is impossible to put into words the absence they are leaving in their wake. Olivia would ask you, in this time, to call your loved ones, to be there for one another. If you or a loved one are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please do not hesitate to get emergent help. 988 is the confidential National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline that can be called or texted through SMS at any time.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Olivia Bishop Memorial fund and sent to the funeral Home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.
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