Andrea Tomko Olesnevich

Andrea Tomko Olesnevich, 75, daughter of the late Andrew and Anna Tomko, passed away from COVID 19 on February 11th, 2022 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital with her husband and children by her side. A 50 yr resident of Tolland, CT, Andrea and her husband Mike raised 3 children with solid roots, who in turn gave them windows into the worlds of photography, education, and NASCAR. Her children gave her six wonderful grandchildren whom she sought every opportunity to celebrate and spoil, a legacy Mike will continue. Andrea prioritized family, friendship, and service to others. Her smile lit up each room she entered, her heart held space for everyone, and her vocabulary did not include the word "no". Andrea had an extraordinary memory for details and was also gifted with wonderful organization skills. She could recall dates, times, names, locations as though yesterday. Whether documents from years past or photos from travels and trips abroad, Andrea had a system that let her save and find any and everything. Her days were always full with never ending projects for others. Andrea's need for organization left her more than irritated with the chaos on Mike's work bench and in his tool box and regularly threatened to organize both for him. That threat alone usually got him to shape up. Andrea had a tenacious spirit and a seemingly endless capacity for projects that helped friends and family. She kept busy with these projects and still made time to give back by volunteering at the Hockanum Valley Community Council. Andrea found tremendous joy in doing for others. Regardless of her schedule or self-imposed work load, she always found time to help someone else's day shine brighter. Curious by nature, Andrea loved to learn. Whether it was time spent researching her family's ancestry, planning local adventures or foreign travel, Andrea's thirst for knowledge eventually led her back to Eastern Connecticut State University where she earned another degree, graduating with honors, at the age of 56. Born with a green thumb, Andrea enjoyed all facets of gardening. She could identify most anything sprouting from the ground and took pleasure in the planning, planting, and crop selection for her daughter's raised beds. She also dabbled in art and found time to enjoy painting with watercolors. An avid traveler, Andrea camped, cruised, and lodged her way across the continental United States and many European countries with her husband Mike, always returning home with new friends, stories of adventure, and of course, souvenirs for everyone. The waters of Alaska and Cape Cod beaches were her favorites. Aside from Mike, the love of her life for 57 years, Andrea's second most trusted companion was her black lab Addie who regularly declined repeated attempts by Mike to learn new tricks, preferring instead walks or car rides with Andrea. Andrea leaves behind a far reaching circle of family and friends, with whom she cultivated life long relationships. Andrea is survived by her brothers Andrew Tomko (Clifton Park, NY) and his wife Peg, Jim Tomko (Vernon, CT) and his wife Bonnie, and Thomas Tomko (Manchester, CT) and his wife Deb, along with many nieces and nephews. Andrea also leaves behind her best friend of 65 years, Carol Verge Nichelson of Seneca, SC. Andrea's wonderful spirit and legacy will live on in her children; Michael R. Olesnevich (Cynthia Cole) of Ocala FL, Jenny Naylor (Steven Naylor) of Hamilton, MA and Kathryn Olesnevich (Karen Baldwin) of Hartford, CT as well as her six grandghildren: Evan Olesnevich, Amina Shakeel, Eliyaan Shakeel, Safina Shakeel, Benjamin Naylor, and Ella Naylor. Andrea will be missed dearly by so many, most especially by her dear husband, Mike, who stole her heart while both studied at the Hartford State Technical College. Together, he and Addie will begin organizing the workbench and toolbox in between walks and car rides, while celebrating her spirit and spoiling the grand kids. While we are profoundly saddened by Andrea's abrupt passing, our lives are inherently richer for having been a part of her world. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at Maneeley's Grand Lodge on Sunday, March 13th from 12-4pm. In lieu of flowers, please male a donation in Andrea's name to the Hockanum Valley Community Council, 27 Naek Rd #4 Vernon, CT 06066.

Andrea Tomko Olesnevich

February 11, 2022