Olive (Close) Wallace

OLIVE CLOSE WALLACE born August 11, 1915, in West Haven, CT, and died on May 29, 2018.  She was the widow of Richard A. Wallace to whom she was married for 62 years, and the daughter of the late Samuel and Gertrude (Werme) Close.  She is survived by sons Richard Wallace and his wife Linda of Charlestown, RI and Venice, FL and John Wallace and his husband John Stahl of Southbury, CT, and grandchildren Elizabeth Glennon, Richard W. Wallace, Julie Childers, Ryan Jacque, Louis Jacque, and 8 great-grandchildren.

She graduated from West Haven High School in 1933 where she played basketball and was active in many clubs. Following graduation from High School she began working at The United Illuminating Company in New Haven and was employed there until she was married in 1939.  Women had to leave their jobs when they married in those days.  In the late 1950s and 1960s she worked part time at Charles Barr’s Letter Shop in West Haven. 

Always an independent spirit, she learned to drive at 21, bought a car, and travelled with friends to Vermont.  She also sailed to Bermuda with a friend for a short 4 day excursion.  Upon marrying, she and her husband eventually bought their first house in West Haven and subsequently moved to Orange and Farmington, Stratford, and then Southbury.  A pet lover her whole life she had either dogs or cats into her nineties. 

Olive’s family meant the most to her, and she enthusiastically followed the activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Notwithstanding her age, she was very proud to have her great grandson Chaz Childers read her the Proclamation from President and Mrs. Obama celebrating her 100th birthday. 

She was always interested in the events going on in the world until her final days.  She was a NY Yankee fan inspired by listening to Mel Allen broadcast games on the radio in the 1950’s.  Her interest in politics began at an early age as her mother worked for many years in West Haven, CT elections.   Her opinions on politics, sports, world events and the lives and activities of all her family members were known by all of us and will be both treasured and missed.

A service will be held at The Church of the Epiphany Episcopal, 262 Main St., North, Southbury on June 2 at 2:00 pm. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to an animal shelter of one’s choice, or to The Foundation Fighting Blindness. Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. 

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