Karina Olascoaga, 23, passed away Saturday, March 23, after a brave battle with cancer. Karina was born in Mexico City on May 12, 1995 to Javier Olascoaga and Luz Maria Sanchez.

Karina and her parents arrived in Elgin when she was 3 years old in December 1998. She lived in Elgin all of her life. She attended Lords Park Elementary School, then on to Larsen Middle School and graduated from Elgin High School, class of 2013.

Karina loved anything that was Disney, especially Mickey Mouse. She was also a huge fan of Marvel Super Heroes. Karina worked at Walgreens for a while and most recently worked as a Teacher's Assistant at the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin. Karina gave catechism classes to children at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Elgin) for 4 years. She loved her church and working with children.

Karina was very loved by so many. She always had a smile for everyone. She had such a big heart and was always willing to help anyone in any way she could.

Karina is preceded in death by mother, Luz Maria Sanchez, grandfather, Jose Olascoaga and grandmother, Maria Luisa Dominguez

Karina is survived by father, Javier Olascoaga: brother, Javier Olascoaga Jr.: grandfather, Salvador Sanches Sr.: grandmother, Yolanda Corona and  many, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held at O’Connor-Leetz Funeral Home, 364 Division St., Elgin on Wednesday, March 27 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 272 Division Street, Elgin on Thursday, March 28 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Jesus Dominguez officiating and burial immediately following the service at Mt. Hope Catholic Cemetery in Elgin.