Ada Marie Spillane

Ada Marie Spillane, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, at the age of 79. Born Ada Marie Shipp in Alexandria, Virginia, on November 30, 1945, she spent the majority of her life in Middletown, Connecticut, where she built a home filled with love, strength, and quiet grace.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Amy Roussel; her cherished grandsons, Tyler and Jonathan Roussel; and her beloved son in law, Kenneth Roussel, whom she loved like her own. Ada was a constant source of support and unconditional love for her family, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Ada's compassion guided her into a lifelong career in nursing. She graduated from nursing school in Alexandria, Virginia in 1968 beginning her career in San Diego before returning to the East Coast, where she specialized as a cardiac nurse in both hospital settings and private practice, touching countless lives with her kindness and care. Later in life, she proudly earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Hartford - an achievement that reflected her lifelong dedication to learning and professional growth.

Even beyond her profession, she gave selflessly-volunteering with Middlesex Health Hospice, Emergency Management of Middletown, Medical Reserves Corps, Citizens Emergency Response Team, the Salvation Army, the Lions Club and Ivoryton Playhouse. She also served on the board of Friends of Long Hill Estate Wadsworth Mansion and her condominium association in Wesleyan Hills. She was the epitome of her volunteer spirit, always giving off her time and heart to others. Giving back was deeply important to her and reflected the values she lived by every day.

Outside of her work, Ada was celebrated for her boundless love for life, adventurous spirit, and passion for travel. She especially found peace and joy at the beach, where she spent countless hours enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Ada also loved spending time in her second home in Carver, Massachusetts, where she created many cherished memories with her daughter, Amy, son-in-law Kenneth, and grandsons Tyler and Jonathan.

A devoted reader, Ada could always be found with a book in hand, and she found joy and comfort in the written word. She was also an active participant in several book clubs, where she enjoyed the camaraderie and shared insights with her friends who became like family. Additionally, Ada was a diehard fan of Elvis Presley-his music brought her happiness throughout her life, and she never missed an opportunity to share her love of "The King" with those around her.

What people loved most about Ada was her kind, gentle spirit and zest for life. She approached life with a simple heart, remarkable patience, and an open ear. She listened without judgment and loved without condition. Her presence brought comfort and calm, and her memory will live on in the many lives she touched.

A celebration of Ada's life will be held on Thursday, May 1, at 2:00 PM at the Memorial Chapel at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Middlesex Health Hospice, in honor of Ada's lifelong dedication to compassionate care.

She will be forever loved, remembered, and missed.