Obituary of Rita M. (Carney) Odom

Rita M (Carney) Odom, 87, of Peabody, died Thursday morning May 14, 2009 at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington following a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Gilbert Odom with whom she shared over sixty-two years of marriage. Mrs. Odom was born on May 31, 1921 in Clayton, NY, daughter of the late John and Kathryn (Callahan) Carney, was raised in Peabody and later made her home in Beverly. Nine years ago she returned to Peabody where she resided until her death. She was educated at St. John the Baptist Grammar School and graduated from St. John the Baptist Girls High School, and earned her college degree in Education from Salem State College. Upon graduation Mrs. Odom taught for a short time before gaining employment with the General Electric Plant in Lynn. Because her family was her primary focus, Mrs. Odom then left her position with General Electric to raise her six children. Her love of family endured throughout her life and she will be remembered for her unwavering affection for her entire family. Rita’s outside interests included regularly exercising at the Beverly YMCA, and later at the Avalon Essex, attending Saturday Mass at the Carmelite Chapel at the North Shore Mall, and reading all types of books. Mrs. Odom is survived by three sons and two daughters; Thomas Odom of HI, Richard Odom of NY, Philip Odom of NC, Anne Odom of Peabody, MA and Janis Odom of Canada. She is also survived by three sisters; M. Barbara Carney and Marguerite Daley of Peabody, and Ann Rutan of NC. Mrs. Odom also leaves behind nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Gilbert, Mrs. Odom was pre-deceased by her son Robert Odom, her brothers; Philip, John, Leo and Paul Carney, and her sister Catherine Carney. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 9 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, 16 Church St. Peabody. Burial will follow in Beverly Farms Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. At the family’s request there will be no visiting hours. Memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s memory to her granddaughter’s trust, the Holly V. Winschel Supplemental Needs Trust, C/O Joseph Carpenter, 154 Greenland Drive, Syracuse, NY 13208, or a charity of one’s choice.