Olivia Slanzi Whitlow

passed away on Monday, July 14, 2008 at The Messenger House on Bainbridge Island, Washington at the age of 81. She follows her husband David Whitlow, who passed way last October, and two brothers and six sisters. She leaves her sister Rita of Camano Island, WA and her three children Marc of El Sobrante, CA, John of Bainbridge Is, and Leslie of Kansas City, KN and their families. She was born to Frank and Luigia Slanzi in Hurley, Wisconsin on March 25, 1927. She led an active life. Growing up, she was often out skiing or ice skating. In high school she was a cheerleader. After the high school, she left Hurley and joined her sister Doris in Kirkland, WA. She met David Whitlow through the Chancellor's Club in Seattle. Her love of skiing and fun lead to many adventures. Some of the Ancient Skiers may remember the fun that was had on the long train trips to Sun Valley, Idaho or the weekend adventures to the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. There was some danger associated with these adventures. In the early 50s, while skiing with two friends at Stevens Pass, they were all buried in an avalanche. Olivia was buried up to her neck. She directed rescuers to her two buddies, and insisted that they concentrate on finding them before digging her out. This sense of adventure was passed along to her children, who have been known to go down the wrong side of more than one mountain. A good way to see Olivia at her best was to take a trip to Europe with her. On one trip she arrived in Rome with no reservations, drove to the top of the Spanish Steps in the heart of Rome, and found a wonderful room. On another occasion, she found a wonderful hotel on a small Italian island that no American had visited. She loved good food. In Italy there was always time for an afternoon gelato. During these trips, she would visit her relatives in Fucine and Cremona, Italy. Olivia was a beachcomber. She loved to walk on the beach with her children collecting agates and interesting driftwood. David and she had a second home at Ocean Shores in the 60s, before trading it for a room in Skiers Inc. at Crystal Mt. They retired to a beach on Camano Is., until returning to West Seattle.Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:00 AM on Thursday July 24, 2008 and the funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery Chapel, 205 NE 205th Street, Shoreline, WA 98153.