A celebration of life for Olivia Mae Hassell, 21, of Lawrence, will be on Friday the 11th from 5-7 pm at Cider Gallery.
Olivia Mae Hassell passed away July 7th, 2025 in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born on January 30th, 2004 to parents Sarah Stauffer-Soderling and Jed Hassell in Fort Bragg, California.
Throughout her life on this plane of existence, she called the Mendocino coast of California and Lawrence, Kansas her homes. Human homes included Paxton Learned, the love of her life and a source of steadfast comfort, and Mikko Soderling, her younger sister and best friend.
Olivia’s journey was full of conviction and deep empathy. Her natural artistic ability in watercolor and piano & voice is a gift. Her laughter, infectious. Her humor, bizarre and poignant. She rescued many cats and stood up for those she believed deserved justice.
Olivia lives on in the hearts of many. Her mom and dad, Paxton, sisters Mikko, Naomi, and Trenna Soderling, Grammy and Papa Stauffer (Sharon and Mike Stauffer), Stepdad Mike (James Soderling), Aunt Jen Jen (Jennifer Stauffer), Uncle Aani and Auntie Ia-Ia (Aaron Stauffer and Iana Porter), and cousins Amira Porter-Stauffer, Emma, Samuel, and Charlotte Zid; and paternal family, Grandpa Will and Aunt Naka Hassell will hold her in their hearts forever.
If you knew her, love those who are close to you fiercely. Express love often. Remember her laugh.
Mike, Sarah & family,
We are devastated to hear of your sweet Liv’s passing. We will mourn and miss her with you. She was our youngest’s classmate; Shea adored her. My deepest sympathies seem so inadequate, but please accept them. I hope you feel the love and calls for your peace and comfort by your community of people who love you.
Sarah, our hearts are broken and we are all thinking of you and your family.
i can’t believe you’re gone liv, i’ll miss you forever. my deep condolences to the family and countless people that loved her, because i know so many lives were blessed by her.