Olga Challa passed on January 1, 2019, at the age of 72, in the Bronx, NY, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on October 24, 1946 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. In 1970 Olga came to the Bronx alone, determined to make a good life for her family. Through her indomitable strength she established a home in the US for her three children, Carlos, Juan Carlos, and Karina, and brought them from Ecuador. She met her lifetime partner, Eduardo Averos, and the two had a daughter, Elizabeth.

Olga’s dedication to her children and family will always be with us. The home she made surrounds us still with her devout love. Everyone who knew her treasures her in-the- moment sense of humor and her free spirit. Each of us cherishes memories of the phrases that made us laugh and that made for each of us a special connection with Olga. For each person in her extended family, and even for her friends, she was ‘Mamita Olga’ - a warm place in our lives that was always there, always welcoming, always supportive, and always ready to put aside her needs to fulfill the needs of others.

While Olga was very happy with her immediate family in the US, she longed for her extended family from Ecuador. Over the years she worked tirelessly to bring family members here, offering her home and her support while they got on their feet. She provided food, guidance, tours of the city, advice, and generous love until they found work and established homes of their own. She beamed with pride to have them close to her. She is the rock and the root of our extended family in the US.

Olga is survived by her four children and their spouses, Brian Hirschfield and Pura Perez; granddaughters Jacklyn Borja, Hillary Borja, Emily Borja, Kayla Hirschfield, and Abigail Hirschfield; grandsons John Perez, Geobanny Borja, and Christopher Borja; nephew Arturo Villacis’ and so many other family members. We bless and honor her in our hearts forever.

Submitted by
Olga's loving family