Natalia "Nelly" M. Robles

Natalia Magdalena “Nelly” Robles (Olivo) of Chicago Heights died on Friday, November 18, 2022 at home with her family.

Nelly was born to Francisco and Felicitas Olivo on February 29, 1952 in San Antonio, Texas and raised in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She moved to Chicago Heights in 1968 where mountains of snow welcomed them.

As a teenager she worked as a migrant worker in fields throughout the south and midwest. When she told stories about that time, she’d recall the crop they were picking to name the time of year. She also worked several manufacturing jobs and talked about how in the late 1970s she was among some of the first women who started working at a crane manufacturer.

Her many jobs didn’t add up to the joy she had being a grandmother. She deeply cared for her grandchildren who made her laugh and smile.

She is survived by her children, Jose (Jami) Robles and Alexandra “Alex” (Aaron) Huff, and her grandchildren Gavin and Josie “Coco” Robles and Magdalene “Maggie” and Olive Huff. Also surviving are 5 grandcats and 1 granddog named Shelby who liked to visit and climb all over her. She leaves behind sisters, Maria “Tencha” (Virginio) Hernandez and Maria “Chely”  (Antonio) Segura, among many nieces and nephews.

Nelly will be remembered not only for being the “best mom,”  but also for her wit, fearlessness, and richness she added to her loved one’s lives.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter in Nelly’s name at the request of her family because she’d say “si no me trajiste flores cuando estava viva no las des cuando estoy muerta.”

Per Nelly’s request, services will be private.