Evelyn I (Garland) Odell

Evelyn Irene Odell, 91 formerly of Waltham, MA, died at her home in Littleton, NH with her daughter at her side on Friday, August 19, 2016 after a period of failing health. Evelyn was born in Watertown, MA March 4, 1925. She was raised by Fredrick and Irene Garland. She was married to Everett Winslow Odell formally of Wayland MA.

Evelyn moved to Waltham with her parents in winter of 1935 and attended Watertown schools where she played the bugle and was a majorette for many years. When she was 18 she went to work at Raytheon in Waltham with her father. They would walk to and from work every day together. One of her fondest memories was sharing an ice cream sundae with her mom at the local ice cream parlor in Harvard Square. She would always bring home a treat for her beloved dog Donnie.

As years passed Evelyn became a Dental Assistant working for Dr. Vanaria of Waltham, enjoying riding the bus every day to and from her job.

In 1957 she met Everett and on February 7, 1958 they were joined in marriage at the Trinitarian Congregational Church of Wayland. They resided at their home 128 Boston Post Rd Wayland where they raised 5 children. She became a cake decorator of which she excelled. She loved to bake many wonderful treats and entertain friends pulling out the best china tea cups.

In 1972 when her father became ill she returned to Waltham to care for him where she stayed until 2013. Everett later joined her in the spring of 1987 where they both enjoyed their home and yard. She loved to "chit chat" with the neighbors and attend the annual neighborhood cookout.

Evelyn attended the First Presbyterian Church of Waltham as a young girl and throughout her life. She became a Deacon of the church and took charge of the Sunday coffee hours after church with great pride. She enjoyed decorating; setting the children’s table, and every year would suit up and play the role of Santa Claus. She enjoyed working hard on the church suppers with the other church members.

In May 2013 Evelyn came to live with her daughter Cheryl Taber in Littleton NH. She enjoyed picnicking and made some good friends. She enjoyed bright sunny days and tall glasses of ice tea.

She is preceded in death by both her parents Fred and Irene Garland, her husband Everett W. Odell and son Richard (Digga) Odell.

She is survived by her daughters Cheryl Ann Odell Taber of Littleton NH. Susan F. Odell Smeltz of Amherst VA. Bonnie Beaudoin of Smithville Missouri. Her son David W. Odell Daleville VA. Her Grandsons Joseph E. Taber and Ryan S. Taber of Weare NH. Many more grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is greatly missed.

Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Waltham, 34 Alder Ave, Waltham, MA at 10AM on Thursday September 8, 2016, followed by interment at Massachusetts National Cemetery. Those who wish may make donations in Evelyn's memory to MSPCA, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 or www.mspca.org/donate-now . 

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