Olympia Correia Bafundo passed away at a local memory care residence on February 23, 2023 in the company of her sons and daughters-in-law. Olympia provided love, nurturing and guidance as the heart, soul and matriarch of her family. Her integrity and character will long be remembered and respected, while her warmth and friendliness will be revered as her calling card. The family grieves her loss, but is filled with thankfulness for her 101 years of life. Last year over forty family members gathered from far and wide to celebrate her 100th birthday. She bravely fought and survived three cases of COVID, the first of which, at age 99, was highlighted in 2019 in a front page article in the Island Packet. Olympia was born in New Bedford, MA on August 25, 1921. The daughter of Maria and Januario Correia, Olympia was married to the late George V. Bafundo for 56 years when he passed in 1998. They raised their family in New Rochelle, NY and then retired to Hershey's Mill, a golf community in West Chester, PA. Nine years ago, Olympia's oldest son, George brought her to Hilton Head Island to provide the support of family and the required memory care resources to assist her in her struggle with dementia. Until her disease caused serious decline, Olympia was one of Memory Matters most excited and grateful day care attendees. Each session that she attended at Memory Matters was an uplifting, spirited experience that she loved and anticipated.

Olympia was a devoted wife and the mother of three sons: George (Donna) Bafundo of Hilton Head Island, Kenneth (Carole Therrien) Bafundo of South Burlington, VT and Robert (Barbara) Bafundo of Johns Creek, GA. Strong family values were instilled and respected within the Bafundo Family. She cherished her six adult grandchildren and was overjoyed by their academic and professional accomplishments. Nine great grandchildren, spanning ages 4 to 24 brought her great delight and happiness. Clearly Olympia's greatest passion and dedication were centered on family and friends. She was kind and understanding. When introduced to someone, she always offered, "It's so nice to know you" rather than "How do you do". Her loving spirit was captivating and infectious. Faith also factored prominently in her life as life-long practicing Catholic. A consummate hostess with incredible cooking skills, Olympia loved to invite guests to sumptuous meals that borrowed from Portuguese and Italian food traditions. Sundays at the dining room table were all-day feasts that her family regarded as "world-class."

Olympia was committed to giving back to her community. Volunteering was her passion during every stage of her life. Whether it was as a grade school fundraiser, a teacher's assistant, a PTA member or a Cub Scout Den Mother, she was the first to help. Later in life she dedicated countless years of volunteer service to the Paoli Hospital Auxiliary in Pennsylvania and the hospital's Palm Tree Resale Shop. There she applied 26 years of professional retail management experience gained at Lord & Taylor Inc. to helping the Palm Tree support the hospital's patients and services. In 2014 she received the Volunteer of the Year Award for dedicating 5,299 hours of lifetime service to the hospital. Other top volunteer priorities were the City of New Rochelle Community Development program, the Leukemia Society, various fundraising benefits for local non-profits, and providing high school volunteer support for her sons' education.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am Friday, April 21, 2023 at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church with a reception to follow at their Family Center. Burial will be at St. Agnes Cemetery in West Chester, PA at a later date. Memorials may be made to Memory Matters or Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. Arrangements by Keith Funeral Home of Hilton Head.
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Burial location updated per Contributor Flababo (47225301)