Ollene Nicolia

Ollene Mae Shears Nicolia, born July 25, 1929 in Coopersville, Michigan ...the second of unexpected twins went home to be with her Lord Wednesday April 11, 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She is survived by her husband Paul Nicolia Anderson, IN of 59 years, Tim & Sharon Stoner Nicolia - Royal Oak, MI, AmyNicolia & Kevin Draves - Anderson, IN, Stephen & Carrie Weemhoff Nicolia - Almont, MI, and Johanna Quantrell Nicolia - Garden City, MI., nine grandchildren, four great grand children and MANY "adopted" kids and grandkids. She was preceded in death by her son Thomas this past November 14, 2011, her parents Wessel & Amy Shears, sister Iris & twin brother Merlin. Ollene earned her degree from Michigan State Normal College EMU and her Masters from Saginaw Valley. For many years Ollene was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon - a professional music sorority. She was a music teacher for the Utica Community Schools - retiring in 1987 after teaching for 31 years. She was a highly gifted musician skilled in both piano and organ and handbells. She ministered as a church organist for over 60 years. Ollene gave of herself to hundreds of students who participated in solo & ensemble festivals. She accompanied countless High School and Community Theater productions, and was a substitute accompanist for the Detroit Opera Company. For the past four years, Ollene & Paul have resided in Anderson, IN, but had a fabulous 21 years of retirement living in Presque Isle, MI in a lovely home located on the shores of Grand Lake. She was the organist at the Presque Isle Chapel for the entire time she lived there. During the summer her musical skills were often heard over the lake with boaters stopping to listen. Visitation will be held at William Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road Utica, MI on Monday April 16 from 5-8pm. A celebration of Life service will be held at Utica United Methodist Church, 8650 Canal Rd, Sterling Heights, MI at 2pm Tuesday with Pastor Amy Draves and Dr. Gary Glanville officiating and with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Christian Memorial Cemetery in Rochester Hills, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association