Josephine "Jody" Olander

Josephine "Jody" Olander, 88, a lifelong resident of Wethersfield, CT. was reunited with her beloved husband of 69 years, Thomas, when she peacefully left us on Monday, July 7. 2025. Jody was born on March 9, 1937, in the upstairs bedroom of the family home in Wethersfield. She was one of three children of the late Thomas and Josephine (O'Flynn) Barry. Raised in Wethersfield, she attended the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy–Laurelton Hall in Milford, CT. Jody dedicated more than 30 years to caring for others as a Certified Nurse's Aide at Elm Hill Convalescent Home in Rocky Hill, CT. She was hardworking and no-nonsense-quietly devoted to supporting people in their later years, even while working night shifts well into her own. She was at her best when caring for others, even if she never hesitated to tell you exactly how she felt while doing it. Rooted in her Irish Catholic upbringing, Jody's faith was a steady presence throughout her life. She was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church in Wethersfield, where she sang in the choir for over two decades and could often be heard humming her favorite hymns around the house. Jody is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Virginia, and son-in-law, Barry Cutkomp; her sons James, Brian, and Thomas Jr. and his wife Jessica, her grandchildren Kelsey, Aubree, Maggie, Brett, Sophie, and Sydney; and her great-grandchildren Dane, Everett, Eden, and Blake. After hearing it for the better part of the last 25 years, we can now all fully agree: Jody is truly "fine." She's now with her lifelong love and the many friends and family who went before her. Her family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bel-Air Manor Nursing Center in Newington, CT, for the compassionate care they provided in her final weeks. Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 601 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield. Burial will take place at Village Cemetery in Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in Jody's memory. To share a memory of Jody, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com