Generous Heart, Steadfast Hands: The Life of Nadine Bolduan

nadine-bolduan

Basic Information

Field Details
Full Name Nadine Marie (Adamson) Bolduan
Birth October 14, 1952 — Toledo, Ohio
Death June 18, 2022 — Syracuse, Indiana
Age at Death 69
Parents Floyd Forrest Adamson (deceased); Nancy (later Reno)
Sibling Sister: Christine (Christine Kotalo)
Education Mercy Hospital School of Nursing (1971)
Profession Nurse (cardiac care), later office manager for family medical practice
Faith Christian
Spouse Dr. Jeffrey Patrick Bolduan, urologist
Marriage Date January 5, 1973
Children Four daughters: Jana, Cortney, Kate, Alyssa
Grandchildren Eight: Townes, Althea, Lincoln; Sloane, Sam, Fletcher; Cecelia, Delphine
Longtime Residences Goshen, Indiana (from 1981); later Syracuse, Indiana
Special Passions Waterskiing, barefoot skiing, event planning, cooking, family traditions
Notable Traits Warmth, organizational mastery, humor, and “mama bear” devotion

Early Life and the Call to Care (1952–1971)

Nadine Adamson was born in Toledo on a crisp October day in 1952 into a close-knit family that valued hard work and hospitality. At 19, she graduated from Mercy Hospital’s nursing program (1971). Early on, she chose cardiac care, which requires a stable mind and sensitive heart, predicting how she would administer her home and community: calm in a storm, exact in details, and human first.

A Whirlwind Love Story and a Marriage of Nearly Five Decades (1971–2022)

Heart unit sparks flew. In 1971, Nadine met medical student Jeffrey Bolduan and became engaged nine days later. They married in Toledo on January 5, 1973, and started an ambitious, adventurous life. Jeffrey’s medical studies in Guadalajara, Mexico, sparked a lifetime appreciation of Mexican culture, colours, and seaside sunsets for the newlyweds. He dubbed her “Queen.” She called him her fun, religion, and family partner.

Building a Home, Building Community (1981 onward)

In 1981, Nadine and Jeffrey moved to Goshen, Indiana, where their family began. Four daughters—Jana, Cortney, Kate, and Alyssa—filled the years with carpools, scientific projects, lake days, and late-night laughter. Nadine perfected organisation: PTA drives, vacation Bible school schedules, and seamless themed parties. She raised her hand and discreetly lifted everyone else when a mission needed a leader.

Career in Care and Coordination

Later, Nadine coordinated her husband’s urology practice after working at the heart bedside. She created systems, not titles. Patients and workers felt seen, heard, and remembered. She was competent and courteous, whether handling schedules or soothing strangers. Practical grace was her mark.

The Heart of a “Mama Bear”

Nadine earned tenure—if parenthood was a career. The same message was sent to each daughter—Jana (clinical psychologist), Cortney (import/export attorney), Kate (journalist and anchor), and Alyssa (ENT specialist). She was an unassuming instructor and cheerleader. Four women with different trajectories, braided by their mother’s love. Nonnies added eight new lights to her constellation as a grandmother—Townes, Althea, Lincoln; Sloane, Sam, Fletcher; Cecelia, and Delphine—who knew her as wonderfully giving and readily delighted.

Traditions, Passions, and the Joy of a Good Laugh

Nadine’s life was full of rituals— July 4th banquets, holiday buffets, meticulously crafted homecoming floats, and late-night costume sewing. Like a matriarch who recognised recipes are maps, she made upside-down apple pie for sweetness, pasta salad for summer, and bean soup for comfort. A movie fan, she quoted Spaceballs or Ghostbusters like a stand-up. Her founding of the Syracuse Sunday Ski Team and barefoot crossing of a glassy lake prove grace and bravery are compatible.

Mexico in Their Bones

Mexico became a second home in the early 1970s. After many visits, the pair started a family tradition of sunrises, street markets, shared lunches, and searching for the “green flash” at dusk. Nadine loved inviting others into her rituals, showing them that travel is more about memories than kilometres.

Challenges Faced, Resilience Shown

Nadine’s story had tough parts. A lake jet ski accident in 1994 killed one girl and injured another. She pleaded convicted in 2013 and received jail and probation for a DUI crash that injured another driver on May 31, 2012. Events were shocking and public. Family and friends remember that they did not remove her dedication, kindness, and constant service.

Family Snapshot

Person Relationship Notes
Dr. Jeffrey Patrick Bolduan Husband Urologist; married Jan 5, 1973; partner in traditions and travel
Jana Bolduan Lomax (Spencer) Eldest daughter Clinical psychologist; children: Townes, Althea, Lincoln
Cortney Carpenter (Matthew) Second daughter Import/export attorney; children: Sloane, Sam, Fletcher
Kate (Michael Gershenson) Third daughter Journalist and anchor; children: Cecelia, Delphine
Alyssa (Alexander Schneider) Youngest daughter ENT specialist; “the baby” of the family
Grandchildren (8) Grandkids Loved as treasures and companions in play and adventure

Selected Timeline

Year Age Event
1952 0 Born in Toledo, Ohio (Oct 14)
1971 19 Graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing; began cardiac care
1971 19 Met Jeffrey; engaged after nine days
1973 20 Married (Jan 5); moved to Guadalajara, Mexico for medical training
Mid-1970s Early 20s Lived in Dearborn, Michigan; welcomed first two daughters
1981 28 Settled in Goshen, Indiana
1983 30 Third daughter born
Mid-1980s Early 30s Youngest daughter born
1994 41 Jet ski accident; one fatality, one injury
1990s–2000s 40s–50s Managed family medical practice; led community events; Sunday Ski Team
2010 57 Daughter Kate married
2012 59 DUI crash (May 31) causing serious injury
2013 60 Sentenced; up to one year incarceration and probation
2014–2020s Early–late 60s Eight grandchildren; full-time life in Syracuse, IN
2022 69 Died peacefully at home (June 18)

After 2022: Memory as a Living Thread

Friends and relatives remembered Nadine’s humour, kindness, religion, and selflessness after her death in Syracuse, Indiana. Her memorial donations supported her beliefs of helping others and safeguarding the environment she loved.

FAQ

When and where was Nadine Bolduan born?

She was born on October 14, 1952, in Toledo, Ohio.

What was her profession?

She began as a cardiac care nurse and later managed her husband’s urology practice.

Who was her husband?

She married Dr. Jeffrey Patrick Bolduan, a urologist, on January 5, 1973.

How many children and grandchildren did she have?

She had four daughters and eight grandchildren.

Where did she live most of her adult life?

She settled in Goshen, Indiana, in 1981 and later lived in Syracuse, Indiana.

What were her passions outside of work?

She loved waterskiing (including barefoot skiing), cooking, and organizing community and family events.

Did she face any notable challenges?

Yes, a 1994 jet ski accident and a 2012 DUI crash were difficult chapters in an otherwise family-centered life.

How did she spend time with family?

Through traditions, annual trips to Mexico, elaborate gatherings, and enthusiastic grandparenting.

What personal qualities stood out most?

Warmth, organizational skill, humor, faith, and a protective “mama bear” spirit.

When did she pass away?

She died peacefully at home on June 18, 2022, at age 69.

Previous Article

A Quiet Spotlight: Christian Kebbel’s Path Through Film and Family

Next Article

Bone, Nerve, and Innovation: The Life and Legacy of Melvin J. Glimcher