Helen O’Dell, age 94, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away Saturday evening at her son’s home in Pittston Twp., after an illness. Her beloved husband, the late Eugene J. O’dell, Sr., died on February 4, 1974.
Born on June 12, 1923, raised in Old Forge, she was the daughter of Polish immigrants, Michael and Agatha Lew Weltz. A garment industry worker, she was a member of the I.L.G.W.U. She also worked as both an assistant and volunteer for Telespond Senior Services in Scranton. Of Roman Catholic faith, she was a longtime member of the former St. Michael’s Church in Old Forge, prior to its closure. She currently belonged to Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Duryea.
Independent with a knack for humor, Helen was an amazing mother, sister, grandmother, relative and friend. She enjoyed gardening but above all, spending time with her adoring family. Now at peace, she will be forever missed.
She is survived by her three children, Helen Tansley and husband Joseph of Old Forge; Eugene J. O’Dell, Jr. and wife Linda of Tobyhanna and Edward J. O’Dell and wife Linda, with whom Helen had recently resided in Pittston Twp.; six loving grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, including a nephew raised by Helen as a son, Dominick Maisano.
Also preceding her in death were siblings, Ann Maisano, Victoria Kwak, Sophie Squirlock, Stanley, Joseph and Louis Weltz.
Her family wishes to thank both Helen’s longtime physician and “girlfriend”, Dr. Darlene Dunay, as well as the entire staff of Arcadia Hospice for the amazing bedside care given to Helen throughout her illness.
A Blessing Service by Rev. August A. Ricciardi is scheduled for Thursday at 10:00AM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 6-8:00PM at the funeral home.
