Heidi Licata (friend)

Nadene and I had a very special relationship. I was not only her hairdresser for over 35 years but we were friends. I saw her weekly because her hair was very important to her also we had many important conversations together. I can truly say that her number one thing in life that matter the most was her “family” she loved each and everyone unconditionally. She shared so much with me as I did with her. She treated me with respect and appreciated not only my talents but always made me feel special. I loved Nadene so much and will miss her beautiful smile and positive outlook in life. I’ll hold all our special memories in my heart forever. I look forward to seeing her again. I know she’s rocking the perfect hairdo in heaven.

Gordon Matney (brother)

In the last few years of Nadenes life we talked at least twice a week and Nadene was so supportive for me just to keep on going and to strive to be the best I could be.   I’ll always remember her.  Nadenes loving brother Gordon

Molly Long (friend)

Dear Dick and Family –

 Your memorial to Nadene was so genuinely heartfelt and loving, a fitting and beautiful tribute to a devoted and singular wife, mother and “grammy.”   Thank you for sharing so many beautiful memories of an inspirational woman whose love will be felt for generations.

 While I had the opportunity to speak with Nadene only occasionally, usually at Dividend’s annual gatherings, Nadene was unfailingly warm and kind, and genuinely interested in my family.  I last spoke with Nadene a few years ago at Dividend’s Christmas celebration in Morgan Hill.  Our son Jake and his wife Nicole had just had our first grandchild, Ford, who also briefly attended the party.  Nadene was so tender and sweet with baby Ford, her love of children so apparent on her radiant face.

 With love and our deepest condolences,

 Molly Long and Dave Grunbaum

Leslie Clohan (friend)

Nadine was an amazing woman and such a huge part of my young childhood memories. Nadine was really a second mom to me from a very young age through my adolescence. Rebecca and I were such good friends and spent as many days as we could together. Nadine always made me feel like a very special part of the family. When I was too young to go skiing with my family, I would stay with the Oliver’s and enjoy my time there. Once when Rebecca and I were attacked by wasps at school, I’m not sure why my mom couldn’t be reached, but Nadine brought me to her home to care for me until my mom could get there. I remember family outings with Nadine and my mother to Shoup Park, afternoons at the Oliver home for play dates, Halloween nights trick or treating together, vacations at our shared family beach house, swimming lessons, dance lessons and recitals, the list goes on and on. Most of all I remember the love I always felt from Nadine. She truly made this world a better place.

Anne Hayden (friend)

Thank you for posting this beautiful tribute to Nadene. I loved the music, the pictures and the heart-felt words that expressed so much love for an amazing Mom, wife and friend. I am blessed to be long time friends with Rebecca, and have so many wonderful memories of seeing Nadene in action as a loving mother. I have so much appreciation for the kindness and generosity she showed me over the years. Her life is inspirational. Sending lots of love to all of you at this difficult time of loss.

Melanie Westcott (friend)

Nadene Oliver Tribute:

 

When I think of Nadene, the first thing I think of is her sincere, happy laugh.  She always made me feel so important and so at home in her house. I took all my high school voice lessons in her home and my mom often left me at the Olivers quite a bit longer after the end of my lessons!  Luckily, Sister Oliver, being one of my mom’s best friends, knew my mom would eventually show up. Sister Oliver always welcomed me into her home on Adobe Drive (was that the name?) and I loved sitting and watching her patiently mother her children in her kitchen with the green cupboards—one of my favorite kitchens to this day.  I remember she was so patient at helping Ryan with his homework at the kitchen table. The peace, safety, and love she created in her home could be tangibly felt. I distinctly remember feeling how non-judgmental she was and how genuinely welcoming she was to a teenaged girl who in most other homes would feel like an imposition, sitting there waiting to be picked up during the dinner hour.

 Just by walking into the Oliver’s home, I felt more artistic and intellectual.  Elegant artwork lined the walls; bookshelves with intriguing books filled the corners. Since it was where I learned to sing weekly for all four years of high school from Nadene’s cousin, Sharon Davis, and TRIED to learn to tap dance from Charles (he was a fabulous teacher, but I was a weak student), the Oliver home will always be a symbol of art, education, and strong family values to me. The home that Dick and Nadene created helped shape my love for the arts.

 I also felt honored Nadene often asked me to babysit Ryan and Lizzie, some of my all-time favorite kids!  And, of course, she always was beyond generous with her pay. She also overpaid me to wrap their Christmas presents. I took forever, because I wanted to be sure everything was wrapped beautifully for her.  Afterwards, I was so embarrassed when she insisted on paying me by the hour.  I took hours to wrap what someone else could have easily done much better in half the time. Yet she still asked me to wrap again for her the next year!  She was so generous.

 I remember the cozy little den/library on the side of the kitchen where the couch was facing sideaways to the tiny TV. I remember wondering why the TV was so awkwardly placed in a house that was otherwise impeccably put together. When I found out the reason was because the Oliver parents wanted the room to be a “family” room, not a “tv” room, I had a new respect for the arrangement even when I’d get a kink in my neck when I was lucky enough to be with my older sister Heather watching movies at their house with friends like Charles and Elisa. I still think of that TV arrangement often and have tried, to my children’s and husband’s dismay, to emulate it.

 Nadene, Rosie, and Dagney threw me a beautiful wedding shower at the Oliver home.  I still use Nadene’s shower gift of the bundt pan with her delicious cinnamon pecan bundt cake recipe regularly.  So so many fond memories of the amazing Oliver family and the forever classy Nadene.  I am so blessed to have had Nadene as an example to me and to still be benefitting from her influence.

Gina Larson (granddaughter in law)

Grandma Oliver was so welcoming and kind to me ever since I met her- I hope to build a family as loving and connected as she did.

 Gina

Rebecca Larson (daughter)

Missing my mom today. Grateful for so many wonderful years together. Will miss our daily talks and the beautiful love she gave to me and my family always.

Gail Ballinger (friend)

She was one of the most loving and gracious women I knew. We were aways welcome in the Oliver home in Los Altos and I remember many amazing events there. I'm sorry for your family's loss, but she had a sure knowledge of eternal families.

Karli Sorenson (niece)

We love you so much! Nadene is an amazing & elect woman, you two as a couple were wonderful. Nadene will be missed. We love you & your family & are grateful we had the opportunity to have you as part of our family. We will be in touch & come visit in a week or two.

Anna Larson (granddaughter)

I Remember the time we went to San Francisco for a weekend getaway. I was around 11 years old. As we arrived at the subway station to begin the journey, I showed you how to buy us our subway tickets, using the automated machine, and directed you to the correct platform. You humbly took instruction from your granddaughter, guiding you through a place that was still somewhat unfamiliar to myself. While on the train I poured over our map, excited by the prospect of finding our way to the hotel, as I had little knowledge of it’s whereabouts. When we arrived at Union station, We navigated the bustling city blocks together. I counted the blocks carefully, in attempts to follow the route I had mapped in my head.  you seemed grateful to offer me the responsibility I was eager to rise to, as I feigned confidence I would get us to the hotel.

I think I have always had a strong will, but when I was younger I would often try to temper it in efforts to not be too bossy or offend others. But you quickly identified this part of me as a strength. You remarked on my courage to navigate us through a busy city, and expressed gratitude, and at moments even awe.

 A similar interaction took place when you took me to Nordstrom’s on that second day. This was somewhere you felt comfortable, and as you showed me the youth section, you  began to pull a few things off the rack you thought I might like. And when you asked if I liked one of the pieces of clothing you plucked from the rack, you looked a bit surprised when I responded: “mmm, no that’s not really my style.” This exchange repeated several times as we continued shopping, and I remember beginning to become aware that I could be offending my grandmother. Instead while you waited on the other side of the dressing room door, as I handed you back garments you had picked out for me, I’ll never forget your reaction. instead of taking offence, you looked at me as an individual outside of this granddaughter and daughter shopping trip,  and said “Well Anna, you really know what you like and what you don’t like, and you know what, I think that is wonderful.” It didn’t feel backhanded, it felt like a genuine compliment. You shared this with the salesclerk too, “Let me tell you, this girl knows what she wants,” smiling and happy, not an ounce of frustration in your voice.

 As we took a midday lunch break, at Nordstrom café, sitting calmly across from each other with our soup, we just talked, and you seemed truly curious about me, and you engaged me as an individual, with a unique spirit, with a unique voice. And as an 11 year old, who often wanted to be seen as more than just a kid, I felt acknowledged. I just don’t think all grandmother’s would of taken such a strengths based, and accepting approach in the face of my strong opinions. And it spoke mountains to me, and fostered a quiet trust, that I have kept close to my heart to this day.

 I love you.

Hal Sorenson (brother)

ince hearing of Nadene’s passing I haven’t really found the words to fit all of the thoughts and feelings that came with this news.

First, I offer my sincere condolences to her Family and friends. My memories of Her are all good ones sprinkled throughout my 60 years of life.

Her warm smile, grace and kindness will always stand out for me!

This old photo of her Sorenson siblings taken one of the few times we were all together after our Father’s passing,

represents the Love, hope, and strength that has carried me to this point in life and will continue too until my “graduation”.

May each of you find the same strength and comfort from the part of her heart she leaves here with you!

Charles Oliver (son)

Already missing the woman in my life who taught me all things that turns out matter most to me now.

- how to communicate and express my feelings

- how to think of others first

- how to be honest especially when it's hardest

- how to never make excuses

- how to fight for the underdog,

- and most of all: how to not agree to do something unless you plan to give it your best and do it well

She had high expectations, but never made me feel that way. How lucky I've been to have had a mom like this in my corner from when I was 12 and she insisted my teachers treat me with more kindness, to when I was 50 and she fiercely accepted my whole self. Her love never failed me, and I suppose it will continue to buoy me up for years to come. Her quiet but uncompromising way of loving will always be the goal for me to try to live up to. I love you mom. You will always be the #1 woman in my life.

David Favro (friend)

Nadene has been a friend to my Mom and our family beginning in Oakland when she moved to California as a child. Many happy times at her home for youth events, hanging out, being watched over, etc. Driving the Oliver Suburban to countless Scout and youth activities. Always giving to bless the lives of others. She will be remembered for good and our loss is certainly heaven’s gain.

Shame Mamone (friend)

My prayers are with your family. I’ve had many great memories with your family in my younger years. From Lake Tahoe to staying at your home in Los Altos on weekends. Or your father driving Charles and I back and forth to Felton just so Charles and I could spend time together. Such a lovely family and incredible mother who showed love kindness for others.

My prayers are with you all during this hard time.