Andrea Arleen (Gregory) Oat, of Inverness, FL, passed away suddenly on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 78 years of age. Andrea was born in Hartford, Connecticut to the late Edward John and Margaret (O’Connell) Gregory.
Andrea was born on May 15th, 1947 and grew up the second of four children in Glastonbury, CT. After graduating from Mount Saint Joseph Academy, “The Mount” in West Hartford, CT in 1965 she attained her Associate Degree and received her LPN working at Bristol Hospital. She was married in 1968 and was privileged to be a stay-at-home mom to her three children before working at her father’s company, JT Slocomb Co. in South Glastonbury, CT, as well as teaching sewing classes to her local community for many years. Her career as a professional Seamstress and Costume Designer spanned throughout her adult life, with innumerable accomplishments that include Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT, costuming celebrities and sick children, the Richard Risley Dance Studio in Coventry, CT where she was known as the “Queen of the Green Room”, and local community theaters across Citrus County. Andrea joined her mother in Florida in 2003, bringing her business and expertise as a Dressmaker and Formalwear Alterations Specialist to her Central Florida community and extending her services to local brides for the rest of her life. A steadfast globetrotter, Andrea would travel whenever possible, visiting amongst her vast network of friends, both domestic and international, and was an avid cruiser.
Andrea was a true master of the textile arts. Whether it be fabricating, tailoring, designing, or pattern alteration, Andrea never met a challenge (or dress) she couldn’t overcome. She made children’s wildest Halloween costume concepts a reality, wrestled spandex and sequins into dazzling attire for professional dancers, actors, figure skaters and body builders, and made countless brides feel beautiful on their wedding days (and often ended up volunteering additional time and services at their weddings). She was always thinking of how to add that extra touch, how to go the extra mile; in short, how to make everything that much more beautiful. Her large collection of formalwear and costumes collected through the years was always at the ready to share for the last minute gala, wedding, or party, magically appearing from some closet with accessories to match. Even after declaring herself retired she couldn’t resist the call of a bride or prom-goer in need and regularly reached out on social media to friends, family, and even complete strangers she saw asking for help. She had the gift of creative vision, of seeing people and their potential, and believed that there was no occasion too small to dress well for. She was a true artist in every sense of the word.
Andrea’s smile, love and laughter brought so much happiness to everyone she touched, and she always had someone under her wing. She had the ability to know when and where she was needed and never held back her love and kindness. Andrea was an innovator of countless family traditions including her open-door holiday policy, wherein anyone without somewhere to go or someone to celebrate with would always have a spot at her table. A bright light in so many lives, her talent, intelligence, crest, and ability to spread joy were unmatched. She was a Mom, sister, Auntie, Nanna, matriarch, friend and so much more to a world of people. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Andrea leaves behind Richard Oat; children Gayla (David) Hence, Rick Oat, and Greg Oat; her sister Arlene King and brother Gregg (Kim) Bear; her three grandchildren, Victoria (Alexander) Rivera, Adrianna Simmons, and River Kai Oat-Moon; her two great-grandchildren, James and Jaden Rivera; many many dear friends, and was undoubtedly received in Heaven by her beloved parents, her brother Edward Gregory, and her best friend Margaret Trainor.
Arrangements are in the care of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Cremation Care, Inverness. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
2 Comments
I’ve been thinking about what to say for a day or so… So many wonderful memories come to mind when I think about Andrea. The Green Room is where I first was really introduced to this fabulously talented, fun and spunky lady. I didn’t know then that she would come to be such a special person in my life, altering my wedding dress. She taught me on our trip to New York City that the fancy department stores call the bathroom the Ladies Lounge. Introduced our family to more family friends. Befriended Mom and got her involved with The Hole in the Wall gang camp which she is so proud of. What lives on through our family and is so special to us are the Mystery Dinners. We have had so many over the years, and the first one I attended was in Andrea’s home. Have the most fun at the best galas in heaven. Much love, Becky.
I’ve been thinking about what to say for a day or so… So many wonderful memories come to mind when I think about Andrea. The Green Room is where I first was really introduced to this fabulously talented, fun and spunky lady. I didn’t know then that she would come to be such a special person in my life, altering my wedding dress. She taught me on our trip to New York City that the fancy department stores call the bathroom the Ladies Lounge. Introduced our family to more family friends. Befriended Mom and got her involved with The Hole in the Wall gang camp which she is so proud of. What lives on through our family and is so special to us are the Mystery Dinners. We have had so many over the years, and the first one I attended was in Andrea’s home. Have the most fun at the best galas in heaven. Much love, Becky.
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