The sweetest and most extraordinary person has left this world for her heavenly home. Lauretta Oldham Coolidge of Ridgefield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at the age of 102. Her mind remained as sharp as a tack, but her body would no longer cooperate.

Lauretta was born on February 8, 1924, in Attleboro, Massachusetts, to George T. Oldham and his wife, Agnes Oldham.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Coolidge; her siblings, Agnes O'Neil, Ruth Cannon, James Oldham, and Frank Oldham; daughter-in-law Sandy McCaffrey; grandson Henry McCaffrey; great-granddaughter Shannon Mulligan; and lifelong friend Jean Cordy.

She is survived by her two children, Charles McCaffrey and Maureen (Jan) Holland; her grandchildren, Lori, Paul (Andrea) McCaffrey, Kathrine, Heather Mulligan, Lisa (Randy) McCord, Lora (Rick) Breuer, Joe (Joanie) Holland, and Linda (Ed) Lutgen; her great-grandchildren, Jessica, Charlie, Tyler and Nicholas McCaffrey, Lindsay Mulligan, Jenna and Jordyn Holland, Holly, Hunter, and Hannah Lutgen; and her great-great-grandchildren, Aria, Kieran, and Shanlie.

No words can fully express what a special person she was. Anyone who knew her would tell you how sweet, thoughtful, kind, and generous she was. She was always thinking of others, sending birthday, holiday, get-well, and many other occasion cards to everyone she cared for and to those whose lives she touched. Hallmark is sure to take a hit after her passing.

Lauretta grew up in New England and spent most of her life there before moving to Wisconsin to be closer to family. She always kept New England in her heart. Fiercely independent, she made fewer trips back east over the years, but she held close the memories of family and friends, Hampton Beach, seafood, and the many familiar faces and places she loved.

Lauretta was a hard worker and continued working until the age of 83. After retiring, she expanded her love of knitting by making mittens for mitten drives, along with hats and blankets for newborns at local hospitals.

When she was not reading, she loved sitting in the sunshine, watching the birds and animals around her flower beds.

If you knew her, you knew her candy dish was always full and ready to ruin any diet. Over the years, the dogs also learned where the treats were kept, sitting patiently at the counter until she finally gave in.

Lauretta was a devoted Catholic whose faith remained with her throughout her life.

She will be cremated, with a memorial service to be held at a later date. Her final resting place will be back east, where her roots began.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered for the kindness, warmth, and quiet generosity she shared with everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the countless acts of love she gave so freely. May she rest in God's eternal peace.