Olive T. (Tuttle) Shea

Olive Tuttle Shea, 93, of Columbia, CT, passed away peacefully at home, on Friday, December 27, 2019 surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Born in Hartford, on November 7, 1926, to Donald R. Tuttle and Eleanor (Hutchinson), Olive lived in Andover for much of her childhood. She then moved to the neighboring town of Columbia in 1938 and stayed for the whole of her life.  From the one room elementary school at Columbia center to Windham High School (class of 1944) she went on to study at Hartford Hospital School of Nursing, and graduated RN class of 1947. In 1977 she furthered her education at Northwestern University to nurse practitioner. Olive’s career at UConn Student Health Services spanned thirty years.

Olive’s greatest loves were family and lifelong friends. Some of the best memories she made with them brought her across the continental United States, sightseeing in Alaska, internationally to gardens of Vancouver, road tripping through Mexico, swimming in Australia’s coral reef, to the familiar beach  house at Matunuck, skiing at King Pine, golfing all over, and to watch the grandchildren in sports and performances. The day always had room for cards or dominos, cooking for family, and seconds of dessert. She was energetic. Nothing would be done if it was not done to the fullest, and she did everything. Housework included singing and whistling. Yard work was incomplete without a chat with the neighbors. The day never had enough hours.

Olive is predeceased by her husband of 37 years, Elmer L. Shea (d. 2017), and her husband of 25 years, C. Leonard Robinson (d. 1977); two siblings, Robert and Sally Tuttle; daughter-in-law Lyn; and sister-in-law Betty-Jo. She is survived by her children: Clarke, John (Alice Ryan), Dale Gervais (Gerry), and Sally Robinson (Wes Gregonis); grandchildren: Michael, Brooke (Mike), Melissa (Doug), Garrett (Alison), Cortney (Brison), Laura (Jon), Neal (Meghan), Jordan, and Emily; and great-grandchildren: Haley, Dariene, Bella, Shelby, Nora, Cora, Elyana, Andy, and Boyd. She is survived by her steadfast brother Boyd and sister-in-law Audrey, their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by Elmer’s three sons and their wives: Michael, Paula, Rick, Joyce, Kenny, and Sharon; their children: Keith, Kris, and Brianne (Paul); and grandchildren: Abby, Teagan, Emme, and Vance.

A memorial service will be held at Columbia Congregational Church, 325 Route 87, on Friday, January 3, at 5:00 p.m.  The family will welcome guests with a reception and refreshments in the rectory following the service. Olive’s final resting place will be West Street Cemetery, with a graveside service at a later date.

Olive’s children wish to express gratitude for Charles Gabriel of Beacon Hospice and Sandra, Alberta, and Abigail of Hartford HealthCare for their care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Olive’s memory may be made to Columbia Congregational Church, or a charity of your choice. 

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