Olivia Paige Bloomfield passed away July 5, 2022 in Colorado Springs, CO, surrounded by the family she loved and who loved her dearly.
Born January 19, 2012, in Rochester, MN, to Sara and Matt Bloomfield, Olivia lived in Chicago for 18 months before she and her family moved to Leawood, KS.
“O” as she was known to her family and closest friends, had many interests and passions, but none more important to her than being big sister to six-year-old Emily.
Olivia loved books so much that she taught herself to read at age three and moved quickly to chapter books and the daily newspaper. A rising fifth grader at Corinth Elementary School, she also loved learning, her teachers, and the many friends she made along the way.
To know Olivia was to be enriched. And to watch her zoom around in her power wheelchair was to witness the essence of how she lived her life. She had places to go, new friends to make, and much to contribute.
Born with congenital muscular dystrophy, Olivia made it her superpower. In her 10 years, she accomplished a lifetime of work and service, locally, nationally, and globally. She was a fearless and tireless advocate for accessibility and inclusion, championing inclusive playgrounds throughout Kansas City and beyond, because, as she pointed out, “Everybody deserves a chance to play.”
Olivia’s efforts in Kansas City also inspired a world-class inclusive playground in Salina, KS. The playground was named “Olivia’s Playground,” and she spoke at its dedication ceremony in 2019.
Widely known and respected for her activism and leadership around inclusivity, Olivia was the youngest recipient ever to receive The Independent’s Rising Star Award in 2022 for her work in the community and school district. Olivia’s work also inspired a global urban playground design competition focused on inclusivity. She was named the 2021 Champion of the competition and was invited to Chicago to present the award to the winner of the Most Inclusive Design category.
Always up for a mental challenge, Olivia competed nightly against her mom and dad on Wordle (note: she won almost every day). Her other interests included travel and experiencing new places, despite the difficulties and challenges involved. A football fan as well, her love for the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes was perhaps eclipsed only by her dislike of Tom Brady.
Olivia loved life and had so much joy in her heart. Her smile lit up the world. She would want her family, friends, teachers, and supporters to know how much she loved them and appreciated all they did to make her life as rich and special as it was.
Olivia is survived by her parents, Matt and Sara, and her adoring little sister, Emily, as well as her grandparents, Sheryl Bloomfield, Sid and Susy Reitz, and Candy Siko. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Tim Bloomfield.
She is also survived by dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she adored.
The Bloomfield family would also like to thank Katy Keefover, Olivia’s beloved nanny and friend for nine years, Deb Wiebrecht of Variety KC, who served as a mentor to Olivia for the past six years, and the staff at Corinth Elementary and at Lee Ann Britain for the tremendous care and support over the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the newly created Olivia Bloomfield Foundation, which will continue Olivia’s legacy by driving accessibility, inclusion, and medical research: www.oliviabloomfieldfoundation.org
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 19th at 10am at Indian Hills Country Club in Mission Hills, KS.
Forever O! Love you so so so so much! Nurse Kelley
To the Family of Olivia: My condolences to all of you. I enjoyed reading about her…What a unique little girl! Thank you for enabling her to fight for children like my daughter (a wheelchair user) to have a more pleasant playground experience. Olivia will be forever missed.
Olivia was one of the world’s wonders. I heard a lot about her but the day I met her, I realized instantly she really was one of a kind. She was so kind, beautiful, intelligent, and ever so funny. Emma’s life was changed by Olivia. Our hearts break for you. Thank you for sharing her. We learned so much from her and she will continue to inspire us. Jim and Donna Pirotte (Emma’s mom and dad)
We’ve only ever crossed paths with Olivia because my son is also in a wheelchair but I’m not sure we have ever officially met. My prayers are with Olivia’s family and friends. It sounds like she sure left her legacy behind. xoxo
“To know Olivia was to be enriched.” – very true words. Thank you, Olivia, for enriching my life and helping me to see that there are no obstacles too difficult to overcome. Shine brightly, O!
A beautiful tribute to Olivia’s zest for life and making the world a better place for so many. Gratitude for her family’s devotion to Olivia and her achievements
Beautiful tribute! Olivia will be missed endlessly.
Such a beautiful tribute to the most amazing 10 yr old I’ve ever known. Olivia inspired everyone that knew her. Our community will be forever touched by her spirit.
RIP Sweet O, you were one amazing little girl. Blessed to have you as a friend to Leighton.
My. Deepest sympathy to the entire family. She sounds like a very special young lady who cared about others. Losing a child is especially hard. Continue to share her love and memories.
Sending love and comfort for your family. We love you and Olivia!
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you in this tough time. May Olivia be remembered with honor and joy!
Bloomfield family, your sweet O was a treasure on this earth. I’m so glad we got to know her, if even for a short time. I’m so sorry we won’t be able to make it to her service. We’ll be thinking of your family and praying for all of you as you celebrate this short but truly impactful and beautiful life. Well done, O! Love, The Baratta Family
Dear Matt, Sarah, and Emily,
I am so very heartbroken to hear about Olivia’s passing. She always brightened our days and made us laugh when she would zip down the hall to pick up Emily from Preschool. She was ALWAYS smiling and laughing and full of stories. No doubt she will be surely missed. Sending prayers, hugs and so much love to your family during this time. Praying for your family to feels God’s presence and comfort in the days, weeks and months ahead! Know you are loved! – Kim Manford , Director Ward Parkway Preschool
Missing O so much. You all are constantly in my thoughts
Sara & Matt, my heart breaks for you And your family. I am deeply sorry for the loss you have experienced. My life was truly blessed by Olivia in my short time knowing her and being able to care for her on a few occasions. I know her legacy will live on very strong and she will continue to positively impact many people! Sending my love.
– Karon Chapa