Nadine Oliver is the first primary teacher that I remember having. I was quite young, but her impact was so significant, that I still remember some of her lessons to this day. In fact, I still have the picture cards that she gave us of all the prophets of the restoration. Her love for me and her testimony of the prophets was one of the first church experiences I had where I felt the Holy Ghost and where a seed of faith was planted. Growing up in her ward, I was one of hundreds of youth who enjoyed coming to the Oliver’s house for youth activities. One of the most memorable times was when they transformed their game room into a fancy sit down, white table cloth type restaurant and the youth were served a mutli-course gourmet dinner. Nadine’s example of love and service is a legacy that will live on in the lives of countless others.
Laura Moore (friend)
One of my earliest memories of Nadene was when she and Kay Stewart came over to help my mother can peaches. And by "help," I obviously mean "do," while my mother watched from her wheelchair. Nadene's gentle, Christlike demeanor was such an example to me! And so many of our fun memories were in the Oliver's home and pool house -- as though she had nothing better to do than facilitate youth activities! We were so lucky to have leaders like her who testified of Christ through their lessons and actions. In addition to rearing five outstanding children, she influenced countless others through her kindness and hospitality. What rejoicing there must be on the other side of the veil to have her back!
Michelle Booker (friend)
I remember Nadene as glowing with love and kindness. First, and always, as such a loving visiting teacher and true friend to my own mother Sharon across so many years, life events. trials, and moves. I really got to know her at church and through my Mom’s stories. I have such happy memories of babysitting Elizabeth (a couple times Ryan) at Nadene’s house. Nadene was just filled with kindness and love for all and especially her children. Her smile lit up through her eyes. She exemplified how we all should live. I know my mother, among all whom loved her and left before she did, are embracing her upon her arrival to heaven
Elisa Oliver (Daughter-In-Law)
A few virtues that come to mind when I think about my lovely mother-in-law Nadene are grace, strength, and unconditional love. Over the 35 years that I had the privilege to know her, I have always admired her. Fairly unusual, considering many people struggle with their MIL relationship. I never did-- I always felt loved and appreciated, and I can't think of one complaint I ever had about her. Plus she was always just so much fun to be with! I will miss her tremendously. The world has lost an incredibly beautiful person.
Heather Pickett McCauley (friend)
My love to the Oliver family who were a huge part of my childhood years and beyond. I remember Nadene’s house was always beautiful and perfectly clean. I never once heard her raise her voice (which in my house was unheard of). Being in her home, you could feel her deep love for her children, she was their biggest fan. She went to a lot of performances during Charles and my growing up years, and she was always so supportive and complimentary. She raised some of my favorite people. She will be missed dearly, but I know she will have a wonderful reunion with her loved ones in heaven now and in the future.
Jessica Harris (friend)
I wanted to take a minute and share a few thoughts about Nadene. I am Rich & Liz’s nanny.
Over the last 4 years, I’ve been blessed to have the Oliver’s and Smith’s in my life. I feel very fortunate getting to know them and spending as much time as I have with them. Especially, these last 8 months. I have enjoyed doing some fun art projects with Nadene and her grandchildren. She was a little timid at times but never gave up, and used her creativity. She was always willing to try something new. We baked cookies, watched the kids swim, enjoyed the beautiful scenery of her home, ate ice cream, looked at her many picture albums, read stories, watched the kids shows, and played several games together. One of our favorite games was Farkle, or Zilch. Milly especially, loved playing this dice game with her. She loved her grandkids so much and I know they brought her so much joy. She was so proud of them, and was always interested in the things going on in their lives. She always made me feel welcome in her home, and I will forever cherish the moments I had with her. I miss her smile and seeing her face light up every time we went over to visit. I loved the day I gave her and the kids some pop rocks to try! She enjoyed them as much as the kids . She was truly beautiful inside and out!! Here’s some photos from our visits.
Becca Oliver (Daughter-In-Law)
If I could sum up a Nadene Oliver in one word it would be classy! She was one classy lady in every way. I never heard her tear anyone down, she always made you feel loved and genuinely included, she always looked beautiful in every way, her home was always beautiful and inviting, yet those nice things didn’t define her and weren’t important to her. Her children were perfect to her and man did she raise some amazing humans. She always spent special time with me and was incredibly thoughtful and aware. Her eyes would light up when she saw those she loved. Family was her everything! Thank you for always making me feel genuinely loved and appreciated. I will love you forever for giving me the best husband anyone could ever ask for. So thankful Conor flew out and got to see you before he left. I know we all have another angel cheering us on! I know that your body is no longer holding you back and I love to think of you communicating everything you want to say so eloquently and without restriction. We are so blessed for the 8 miracle years we got with you!!!
