The Oltman family recently gathered in Falls Church with friends and neighbors to bury Evelyn Oltman in National Cemetery.  She passed away at the age of 90, peacefully in her sleep in Evanston, Illinois.

Mrs. Oltman, or "Mrs. O" as she was known to several generations of her music students, was a key contributor to the city.  A talented pianist, she was music director for several private schools in the area and taught piano in her home studio for 51 years.  Notably, she was also a music therapist for the developmentally disabled and a key founder of the Child Development Center on Cherry Street.

Her extensive charitable work was recognized on a local, state and national level by governors, the president, and even the international Steiff toy company.  She pioneered music drama therapy techniques with disabled children that were life changing for them.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Oltman and son Mark Chesley Oltman. She is survived by her daughters Maria Oltman Vandersluys in Shelby, Michigan; Mary Oltman Bishop in Evanston, Illinois; daughter in law Doris Oltman and grandchildren Michael Roy Oltman and Erin Oltman.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. O would say “do something kind for someone and for goodness sake, practice your piano!”