Olivia M. Drinkwater

Olivia M. Drinkwater, a lifelong Harvard resident, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at the age of 86.

Olivia was born on September 3, 1939, in Harvard, IL the daughter of John and Olive (Fillweber) Borgeson. She graduated from Harvard High School and went on to complete beauty school in Rockford, IL. She opened Olivia’s Beauty Shop right out of school, which she proudly owned and operated until its closing when she retired.

Olivia married Lester Robert Drinkwater on August 8, 1970, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard, IL. While taking on her new role as a wife, she also took on a new role as mother, embracing Lester’s five children as her own. Olivia and Lester were overjoyed when their daughter Allison was born and their family was complete.

Olivia played clarinet in high school and enjoyed playing the piano throughout her life. She also enjoyed swimming and bowling with her league. Olivia grew up attending Trinity Lutheran Church and was a lifelong member. She was active in the church- teaching Sunday school for many years and involved with the altar guild. Olivia led a life grounded in faith and held firm to her values. She had also been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Women of the Moose.

Additionally, Olivia enjoyed her important roles on the farm, tending to the cattle and gardening. Olivia loved living in the country and cultivated beautiful flowers that she would bring to the fair. She appreciated all four seasons, but Christmas time was her favorite. She loved Christmas music and being with family for the holiday. She delighted in having her grandkids visit. She took great pride in her family and her cooking. Olivia loved her customers at her beauty shop and made many lasting friendships throughout her career. Olivia loved Walt Disney and was especially fond of Mickey & Minnie Mouse. She liked watching the Johnny Carson Show and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Olivia truly adored cats. Faith and family were most important to Olivia, and she will be lovingly remembered for her kindness and her giving heart.

Olivia is survived by her children Allison (Brian) Dahl, Kristi (Dave) Parrish, Jan (Rusty) Leslie, Lois (Doug) Bulman, and Ron (Barb) Drinkwater; 9 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; her siblings Albin “Bob” (Marsha) Borgeson, Tina Jones, and Carla (Butch) Smith; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lester, son Randy Drinkwater, and brother-in-law Donald “Don” Jones, parents John and Olive, and her stepfather Jack “Dusty” Rhoades. 

A private gathering will be held for family prior to her interment at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Harvard.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net

For more information, call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home at 815-943-5400.