Obituary of Mary H. Odoy

Mary H. Odoy, age 88, of Woodbridge, CT, beloved wife of Bernard W. Odoy died peacefully in her home on May 14, 2022 with her family by her side.  Born May 23,1933 in Gibbonstown, Kilmallock County Limerick, Ireland, Mary was one of eight children raised by Johanna (Hartigan) Frawley and Michael Frawley. She came to America on the U.S.S. America ocean liner when she was 24 years old seeking work, adventure and the prospect of a bright new future in the US. Sponsored by her Aunt “Nini”, she immediately embarked on finding employment; she worked diligently as a housekeeper, a patient intake receptionist in the Emergency Room at St. Raphael's Hospital, a telephone operator for the New Haven Telephone Company, and, after staying at home for several years to raise her young children, was an integral part of the family businesses.  Mary loved meeting new people and enjoyed the warm community of the New Haven Gaelic Club, to which many of her family and friends belonged. There were many nights of dancing away to the wonderful music of her homeland.  It was on Legion Avenue in New Haven, CT that she met her wonderful husband, Bernard Odoy. They went for an ice cream and the rest is history. Mom always told her children that their Dad was different; he was quiet and respectful, and she will never forget how he wrote to her every day when she went back home to Ireland to take care of her mother. Mary and Bernie married in 1963 at St. Brendan’s Church in New Haven, CT moved into a home on Chapel Street, and began 59 years together. Raising four children in Monroe, CT, Mary and Bernie always strived to give their children a strong foundation in faith, family, and community.  A fierce Scrabble player, a storyteller, and an avid reader, Mary could rarely be found without a book; typically reading a biography or autobiography of some leader, entertainer, athlete, or historical figure. The joy of reading was a passion Mary passed down to her children, however, her gift of storytelling could not be matched. 

In retirement, Mary and Bernie had the good fortune of residing for 17 years in Dade City, FL where they played golf, traveled to many beautiful world destinations, were members of St. Anthony of Padua Church, and frequently entertained visiting members of the family from near and far. Some of her greatest joys were traveling with her husband, gatherings/travel with family to Ireland, Outer Banks, Hilton Head, singing, gardening, attending church services, and chatting with whoever happened to be nearby. These were special blessings that she always looked back on with joy and gratefulness to God. Mary had a zeal for life, community, song and adventure.   

Mrs. Odoy is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Bernard, her loving children; Bernard W. Jr. (Teresa) Odoy of Marlborough, CT, Patrick J. (Hilary) Odoy of Rowley, MA, Ann Marie (Julia Strong) Odoy of Bethany, CT, and Monica M. (Marc) Swanson of Morrison, CO; brothers, Michael (Teresa) Frawley of Waycross, GA, Matthew (Noelle) Frawley of North Haven; a sister, Mary Mulcahy of Ireland; her sister-in-law, Rosemary Hartigan; brothers-in-law, Edwin (Alice) Odoy of Derby, CT, William Odoy of Ansonia, CT; her very treasured nieces, nephews, in the US,  Ireland and England; and her grandchildren, of whom she was so proud: Lucia, Gina, Marianna, Elisabeth, Kyle, Haylie, Bernard, Alexa, Connor, Erika, Logan, and Liam.  Mrs. Odoy was predeceased by sisters, Chrissy Forrestall and Sr. Anne Frawley and brothers, James Hartigan and Patrick Frawley.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Saints Aedan & Brendan Church, 112 Fountain Street, New Haven, CT at 10:00 AM followed by Interment in the All Saints Cemetery in North Haven, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to All Saints Catholic Academy, (allsaintsnewhaven.org), of 423 Ferry Street New Haven, CT 06513. The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia is in care of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.