Judy Oliveri

Judith (Kirkpatrick) Oliveri, 78, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in her home on December 25, 2025. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, teacher, and her presence is deeply missed.

Judy was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 13, 1947, to Rosalie and Theodore Kirkpatrick. She grew up in Moline, Illinois, and attended the University of Illinois, where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Her daughter, Kristen, and granddaughter, Bryn, also became members of the Kappa Delta sorority. Judy moved to Oklahoma in 1983 with her family and made Oklahoma her permanent home. She later obtained her master’s degree in education from the University of Oklahoma.

Judy dedicated her life to her family, her home, her pets, and her passion for teaching special education students. She had a huge heart and loved to give and help others, including adopting stray cats over the years. Her instinct for creativity was evident in the arts she supported, her culinary talents, her ability to beautifully decorate a home, her elegant sense of style, and her thoughtful gift giving. Judy loved rock ‘n roll music and cheering on the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Kristen Van Buskirk (Dan) of Tulsa, OK; her daughter, Erin Koos of Oklahoma City, OK; her beloved grandchildren, Caden Van Buskirk (Melanie), Alli Van Buskirk (Zach Miller), Bryn Van Buskirk, Lia Van Buskirk, Tayla Koos-Clewis and Christian Koos-Clewis; and great-grandchildren, RaeLynn Van Buskirk, Vivienne Van Buskirk and Hallie Van Buskirk. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and proud veteran, Martin Oliveri, and her sister Gail Elliott.

A small celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7th, at Corbett Funeral & Cremation located at 807 W. Wilshire Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Judy’s love for animals by making a donation in her name to the Oklahoma Humane Society (okhumane.org). Judy’s ashes will be spread at Ft Sill National Cemetery alongside Martin.