After a full and extraordinary life of 97 years, Livia Laimdota Ozols passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024, in Naples, Florida. Livia was born on August 22, 1927, to Alberts and Emilia Tombergs in Riga, Latvia. She enjoyed her childhood years in this country, either in the city of Riga going to school and the Opera House or being at the family farmhouse in the countryside in the summer. Her childhood ended with World War II.
In 1945, Livia left Latvia and traveled with her mother, Emily and brother, Ojars, leaving her father and grandmother, home and country behind. With a single suitcase, she became a refugee traveling to Germany as the Soviet Union occupied Latvia.
While in Germany, Livia married Arturs Smiltenis whom she knew from Riga and welcomed a daughter, Ingrid Ivette Smiltenis (Langeland). However, the uncertainty of the future led to their divorce. In 1949, Livia and her family immigrated to the United States with the sponsorship of a Mississippi cotton farmer. She and the family left Germany, and after a two-week journey by sea, they arrived in the United States. Soon after, Livia found her way to Chicago.
Livia had met Richard Ozols in Germany. Livia considered Richard to be the love of her life. He and his family also immigrated to Mississippi but were in a different town than Livia. They managed to stay in touch while living in Mississippi and re-connected in Chicago.
Livia arrived in what she lovingly called, “my Chicago” on July 4, 1949. In her heart, the annual fireworks display was a celebration of her arrival.
Livia married Richard Vitolds Ozols on October 13, 1951.
While Richard was attending engineering school and starting his business, Livia supported the family and worked as a bookkeeper for a corrugated box company. On April 18, 1960, they had a son, Richard Egils Ozols.
Livia loved to travel. A very special trip was when Richard and Livia first returned to their homeland in 1992 to celebrate Livia’s birthday. Livia adored Richard, and even after his death in 2000, she kept a note from him in her wallet: “All the flowers in the world cannot express my love to you.”
Livia thrived on being surrounded by family and friends and was the queen of her own round table at home, sharing stories, opinions, and a glass of wine. Richard and Livia wintered on Marco Island for more than 40 years, swimming in the ocean and basking in the Florida sunshine. She enjoyed fine dining and dancing. Livia’s energy filled a room. She will be dearly missed.
Livia is survived by her children Ingrid (Lester) Langeland and Richard (Sarah) Ozols; her grandchildren Lisa (John) Salka, Derrick (Courtney) Langeland and Danielle Ozols; and her great-grandchildren Natalie and Tyler Salka, and Landon, Declan and Rylan Langeland.
To celebrate Livia, the family asks that you raise a glass in her honor, share a story, and remember her passion for family and friends.
12/26/2024 Coastal Breeze News
