Elizabeth "Betty" Louise O'Dell

Elizabeth “Betty” Louise O’Dell of Waukesha passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at her home at the age of 83. She was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on December 2, 1935 the daughter of Clark Robert and Goldie Louise (nee Shoup) Burns. She was a graduate of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. On August 17, 1957 she married James S. O’Dell in Three Rivers, Michigan. Betty worked for the Professional Girls Scouts in Kalamazoo and as a teacher’s aide at Hadfield Elementary in Waukesha. A woman of strong faith, she was a longtime member of Southminster Presbyterian Church. She loved being outdoors and was an avid gardener and enjoyed sailing and kayaking. Betty was an excellent cook and baker, loved traveling with her husband and wintering at their home in Florida where she was known as the “sunshine lady”. Most of all, Betty’s pride and joy was her family. She devoted her time to be with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter who all loved her dearly.

She will be sadly missed by her beloved husband of nearly 62 years, James of Waukesha and their three loving daughters, Kim Louise (Ed) Zadrzynski of Elm Grove, Michele O’Dell of Waukesha and Renee (Jay) Crouse of Delafield. She was the proud grandmother of Nick Todd, Jimmy Zadrzynski, Jennifer Louise (Scott) Austin, Tiffany Crouse, Ryan Crouse, Courtney Crouse, Kristina Tajiri, Jessica Zadrzynski and Adam Crouse and dear great-grandmother of Lily Louise Austin. She is further survived by her brother William P. Burns along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert Burns.

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the nurses and staff of Horizon Home Care & Hospice for their kindness, care and professionalism. Your compassion and comfort provided to Betty and her family will always be remembered.
Special thanks is also extended to the Town of Waukesha Fire Department and EMT’S for their quick response and care.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. until time of the 3:00 p.m. memorial service at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard Street, Waukesha, WI 53189. Reverend Dr. Christian D. Boyd will preside. A reception and continued celebration of Betty’s life will follow the service. As part of Betty’s celebration of life, the family requests you wear bright colors in her honor.

Memorials in Betty’s name are appreciated to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 17100 West Bluemound Road Suite 101, Brookfield, WI 53005 or to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.