In Loving Memory of Olivia Burgess — Help Elijah and Eli Rebuild

On August 2024, my world changed when I married my beautiful wife Olivia Pierce. My life changed forever again this past Sunday, September 21, 2025 when I lost my beloved Olivia. In the short time we were married, Olivia became the heart of our home—a devoted wife, a caring stepmother to my son Eli, and a cherished daughter, sister, and friend. Her passions were as vibrant as her smile: she loved music, played the flute, sang in chorus, and was part of the Vikettes in high school. Olivia excelled in track, carried the spirit of a musician throughout her life, and her adventurous soul led her to explore the world, from swimming with dolphins in Florida to hiking and boating in nature. She cared deeply for animals and the environment, enriching the lives of everyone she met with her humor, warmth, and unwavering support.

Now, Eli and I are facing overwhelming grief and financial strain. The costs of Olivia’s funeral and burial are heavy, and I am struggling to cover them along with our monthly mortgage. Eli, who is a special needs child with autism, needs a stable and safe home environment as we try to reassemble the fragments of our lives. We want to honor Olivia’s memory in a meaningful way and give Eli something from his mother to hold onto. Your support will help us cover funeral and burial expenses, final medical costs, and basic living expenses as we seek stable housing. We also hope to create a small, ongoing fund in Olivia’s name—perhaps a scholarship or a lasting tribute that reflects her love for education, nature, and community.

Olivia’s love for life was contagious. She believed in the power of family, friendship, and kindness. If you knew her, you know how her laughter could light up a room and her courage could lift others up, even in hard times. We are deeply grateful for any support, prayers, and donations you can offer. Your kindness will help us lay Olivia to rest with dignity and begin the work of rebuilding our lives for Eli’s future.

Please Help

Any gift, large or small, will help us cover Olivia’s funeral which is October 5th 2025, and burial costs, and provide a foundation for Eli and me as we begin to navigate life after Olivia.

Your generosity will ensure we can say a proper goodbye to Olivia and create a sense of stability for Eli as he grows up without his mother.

Your support will fund

- Funeral and burial expenses

- Final medical or related costs

- Basic living expenses as we seek steady housing and a safe space for Eli

- A small, ongoing fund to honor Olivia’s memory—perhaps a scholarship or a lasting tribute in her name that can help others in need, in line with Olivia’s love for education, nature, and community.

- Olivia’s love for life was contagious. She believed in the power of family, friendship, and kindness. If you knew her, you know how her laughter could light up a room and how her courage could lift others up, even in hard times.

- We are deeply grateful for any support, prayers, and shares you can offer. Your kindness will help us lay Olivia to rest with dignity and begin the work of rebuilding our lives for Eli’s future.

Even if you can’t donate, please share this post with all your friends.

With gratitude and love,

Elijah Burgess and Eli