Jewel Wade Oltman

OLTMAN Jewel Nan Corrigan Wade Oltman, age 82, passed away at her home in Shelton, CT on Thursday, July 29, 2010, sheltered by the love of family and caregivers, following a long, courageous and creative battle with Primary Lateral Sclerosis, a rare form of Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Jewel was born on February 27, 1928 to her late parents, Bernard and Cora Corrigan, and grew up in the Grasmere section of Fairfield with two older sisters, Alice Ann Ridington (deceased) and Nadine Johansen. Jewel graduated from Roger Ludlowe in 1946 and married her high school sweetheart, Douglas H. Wade, in 1949. In addition to joining her husband’s family business, Wade’s Dairy, Jewel also worked as a realtor for several agencies in CT and FL from 1953 to 1998. Jewel and Doug had three children: Susan Warner (married to George) of Trumbull, Douglas Wade, Jr. (married to Ramona) of Shelton, and Bernard Wade (married to Laura) of Huntington. Jewel’s response to adversity was tested early in her marriage with her husband’s deteriorating health and repeated hospitalizations due to a congenital heart condition. She devoted herself to keeping Doug Sr. well and later took matters into her own hands when doctors held out little hope for his survival. After Jewel put her husband and herself on a strict macrobiotic diet, Doug’s health markedly improved, and the couple thoroughly enjoyed several years of retirement, traveling throughout the country by motor home, and relocating to Florida. Several years after Doug died at the age of 58, Jewel was blessed to fall in love a second time with a man who had himself nursed his first spouse through a terminal illness. Just one month ago, on June 30, 2010, Jewel and Robert J. Oltman celebrated their 20th anniversary of a wonderful marriage. Jewel touched the hearts of many and had been cherished for years as the last surviving member of the third generation of Wade’s Dairy. Her strong will, laughter, and enduring positive spirit both inspired and leave behind a trail of delightful memories. Jewel is survived by many close relatives, friends, and caregivers. In addition to her three children, she leaves behind eight grandchildren: Tori Warner (also a caregiver to her grandmother), Lindsay Warner, Kenneth Wade (married to Lisa), Ryan Wade, Andrew Wade, Christopher Wade, Jeffrey Wade, and Chelsea Wade; and two great-grandchildren, Chase and Alice Crystal Wade; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Jewel is also survived by Robert’s daughters Marcia Reed (married to William) of Yorkville, IL, and Marianne Melton (married to Tony) of Centennial, CO; granddaughter Krista Allen (married to Tim); and great-grandson Noah Allen. Jewel also leaves behind her beloved caregivers, Genia DeMatteo, Hanna Merlen, and Heather Williams. Friends may call on Sunday from 3 to 5 PM at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home in Monroe. Contributions in her memory may be made to ALS Association, CT Chapter, 4 Oxford Rd. Unit D4, Milford, CT 06460.