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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Lisa Bullard
Denise Lynn O'Dea
July 18th, 1952 - July 28th, 2020
July 18th, 1952 - July 28th, 2020
On Tuesday, July 28th, our beloved Denise Lynn O’Dea passed away at the age of 68 in Binghamton, NY from COVID-19 and complications from a 36-year courageous battle with cancer. She was born on July, 18, 1952 and raised in Hawleyton, NY on her family’s farm.
Denise’s formative presence, positive spirit, and kind heart made anyone who knew her feel treasured and loved. Through her actions she taught the importance of family and friends, laughter, kindness, patience, compassion, and love. Denise was a lifelong caregiver who devoted a 36-year career of civil service to working with disabled adults within the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. She was an adventurous, inquisitive, life-long learner who lived to experience life and create positive memories. She enjoyed creating art, gardening, and was a voracious reader who loved travel and adventure. She explored the US through multiple cross-country trips, traveled to Greece with her beloved book club, to France with her daughter, and cherished taking annual oceanside vacations with her family. As grandmother, she delighted in taking holidays and long visits with her grown children and grandchildren, and lived to create new heartfelt childhood memories for her grandkids. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Denise, will know that life will never be the same without her, but that the gift of her presence in our lives is something that will forever remind us to love and live life to its fullest.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband and best friend of 43 years, Kevin O’Dea; son and daughter-in-law Justin O’Dea and Lisa Bullard; daughter and son-in-law Heather and Chip Peoples; grandchildren Ember and Aidan Bullard-O’Dea and Kieran Peoples; brother and sister-in-law Doug and Joanne Eldred; sister and brother-in-law Maureen and Joe Schmitt; cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins; friends of her children she lovingly treated as children of her own; and many, many friends. Denise is predeceased by her parents Henry and Arlene Eldred; mother and father-in-law, Millie and Jim O’Dea; and brother-in-law, Jimmy O’Dea.
Due to Denise’s and her family’s wish for all to remain safe and healthy during this time, an in-person service will be announced at a later date.
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Tributes
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Lisa Bullard
We are finally able to gather to mourn and celebrate Denise.
Diana Bean
I took this photo of Denise in September 2019 when book club spent a weekend at "Maggie's Farm" in the Catskills. It's a shot I might have deleted, except it captures, for me, some of what makes me love Denise: She was small, gentle and soft-spoken. But her presence and personality were large; she had a huge impact on those around her. Several times I turned to her when I needed advice and guidance, and she never let me down. Over the years I was lucky to be in her company as we traveled to Greece, Washington, D.C., Ithaca, the Jersey Shore (my body-surfing buddy!), the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. She was always up for an adventure and ready to lead the charge. She'll be forever remembered and forever missed. My love goes out to Kevin, Heather and Justin and your families.
George & Joyce Thomas
Our deepest sympathy to Kevin and all of Denise’s family and friends. So very sorry for your loss.
Rita Jump
Denise was a dear cousin and childhood friend. I had so many good times at her home. She will always be remembered in my heart.
Karen Sommer
Denise was a dear friend. A person who gave love to all she met. We met when Justin and Heather were in elementary school. I instantly knew she cared deeply for her children and their education. And that was the time Denise and Anita asked if I would like to join a Book Club they were starting!! It was crazy times from the beginning!! Full of laughter, adventure and sharing!! We bonded and never stopped learning from one another as more friends became cherished members ! Denise gave the best hugs! She would squeeze you tight and then look into your eyes and give you the most loving smile!! She always made me feel so special. But the highlight of her life was her family. When she spoke of them, she would light up and share stories especially of her grandchildren. Her pride and happiness was truly family. The photo is Denise’s artwork. A book club memory that Denise painted for a thank you note. I think it shows her character. Colorful, delicate , wild and free that bring us joy. Denise was all of that. Rest my friend. I shall keep you close forever.
Elizabeth A Vanduzer
I worked with Denise at Broome DDSO. Denise had a wonderful strong compassion when working with the individuals. I enjoyed working with and learned so much from her. My sincere sympathy and prayers for her family.
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