Redding couple died within days of each other from virus complications

REDDING — Kenneth and Patricia Olshan married 65 years ago. They died just three days apart from each other in their home due to complications from the coronavirus.

“They were a dynamic duo who will be missed,” said Jennifer Wastrom, a board member at Mark Twain Library in West Redding.

Both were heavily involved with the library, just one of the many legacies they leave behind. Kenneth Olshan was 87 and Patricia Olshan was 84.

“In the world of the Mark Twain Library, Ken and Patsy were tireless visionaries of what our library could and should be,” Wastrom said.

The couple served as the co- chairs for the library’s 1998- 2000 Capital Campaign Committee alongside Lisa Reese.

“They brought savvy dedication to the cause,” Wastrom said. “Ken realized the challenge in trying to engage our town’s colorful composite to support the MTL’s expansion. But his impressive professional experience in advertising combined with Patsy’s beauty and grace in no small way helped push the campaign goal across the finish line.”

The couple moved to Redding in 1986. Kenneth Olshan was the former chairman and chief executive officer of Wells, Rich, Greene Advertising. He oversaw some well- known advertising campaigns, including “I Love New York,” “Flick My Bic” for Bic Lighters, and “Plop Plop Fizz Fizz” for AlkaSeltzer.

Patricia Olshan worked as an oral historian and raised their three children, Margot, Matthew and John.

The Olshans were also some of the founding members of the Mark Twain

Library Leadership Society.

“They continued to enthusiastically support its events and programs as recently as just a few months ago,” Wastrom said.

Rabbi Rachel Kay Bearman said both were also longtime members at Temple B’nai Chaim. “Ken served as a leader of the congregation for many years — as both a member of individual committees and the Board of Trustees,” Bearman said. “They are very missed.”

Kenneth Olshan is remembered for his sense of humor, adventurous spirit, intellectual curiosity. He also introduced many in the Stamford area to boutique wines from around the world while serving as the business manager at Margot Cafe, his daughter’s restaurant. Patricia Olshan is remembered for her charm, intelligence, engaging conversations and ability to light up any room she entered.

Both were also dedicated to numerous charitable organizations, according to the couple’s obituary.

“Ken loved Patsy as much as any man loved any woman,” the obituary reads. “He cared for her, protected her and comforted her as her mind drifted away. In a beautiful twist, neither had to suffer the pain of the other's loss.”