OLGA ALICIA MATHEU Sunrise: October 28, 1927 Sunset: March 3, 2013 Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to: SFAAR, 12000 Murphy Avenue, San Martin, CA.
Olga Alicia Matheu of Morgan Hill, CA entered to rest Sunday, March 3, 2013, with her family by her side.
Born in Guatemala C.A., October 28, 1927, to Arturo and Graciela Matheu.
Olga was the youngest of four children, Arturo Matheu Jr., Enrique Matheu and Graciela Garin Matheu, all predeceased her.
Olga was married to Dr. Francisco R. Sanchez and later divorced. In 1955, Olga immigrated to San Jose, CA with their four children.
Olga had a deep love for all animals. She was very active in all aspects of animal welfare and strived to promote awareness and prevention of animal cruelty. In 1979, Olga moved to Morgan Hill, CA.
For many years, Olga rescued abandoned dogs and cats that were hiding off of freeways or lost in rural areas of Morgan Hill. She cared for these animals in her home until adoptive homes were found. She also trapped wild life in distress in effort to relocate them.
In 1984, Olga founded the non-profit organization Saint Francis of Assisi Animal Rescue (SFAAR). Olga was well known for her rescue work throughout South County.
In January, 1992, Olga established St. Francis of Assisi Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic in San Martin, CA where an average of 1700 dogs and cats are spayed/neutered each year.
With the help of many good friends, Olga accomplished her mission to help the animals. She was named, “California Woman of the Year”, and awarded, “Humanitarian of the Year”.
Olga leaves her children: Dr. Francisco A. Sanchez, Olga Ileana Cleveland (who continues her mother’s SFAAR mission), Marie Y. Sanchez, Roxanne Sanchez and grandchildren: Natalie M. Poff, Joseph M. Arauzo, Danielle C. Cleveland, Jensen A. Sanchez and Juliene A. Sanchez. Grandson Derek J. Cleveland predeceased her in 2001. She also leaves extended family in Guatemala who will miss her.
Olga Matheu will be missed by family, friends and those whose lives she touched.
