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BORN
1924
DIED
2020
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Odette LePendu Obituary
Odette Marcelle LePendu was born on 11 April, 1924 to Edouard and Lucie Guillaumou in San Francisco, California. Despite being born of French parents and speaking French, Odette was always a true San Franciscan. She loved her city!
In 1937, just before WWII, Odette and her mother went to France. Sadly the war broke out and they were unable to return home to California. Odette, as a teenager, aided the French Resistance to help fight against Hitler's tyranny.
Her husband, Francois LePendu, preceded her in death in 1994 after returning from the 50th Anniversary of D-Day celebrations in France with the US Liberty Ship Jeremiah O'Brien.
Odette is survived by her two sons, Claude and Jean-Louis and their wives Tina and Lovina, six grandchildren; Andrew, Lisa, Paea, Ivan and Hinano and Adrian and 14 great grand children.
Odette was always very active with the French community, the French Veterans Association and the restoration of the Jeremiah O'Brien Liberty ship.
Odette was the recipient of the French Legion of Honor, and many other medals, in recognition of her work with the Resistance during the War.
For helping to recognize and honor American Veterans who helped liberate France, she was awarded her second Legion of Honor in 2013. We are very proud of her!
We welcome family and friends to a viewing June 25, 2020 from 4 to 6pm at the Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara Co, 10th Ave at Geary BLvd, S. F.. The Committal Service will take place Friday 10 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California. In lieu of flowers she would be very happy if you would consider a donation to the Liberty Ship Jeremiah O'Brien Memorial Fund.
Odette passed away peacefully 12 June, 2020. We will miss her very much!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Odette LePendu
Sponsored by McAvoy O'Hara The Evergreen Mortuary.
Jean-Louis LePendu
June 15, 2025
Hi Mom, just checking in to see how things are going. Tell Pop I wish him a Happy Father's Day, Grandpa too. Things are good down here. Grandkids and Great Grandkids are all grown up. The 2 little ones have a way to go yet. Claude's crew are also doing well. Spread the Aloha Mom. Love you, Jean-Louis
Josi and Eddie Holleman
June 14, 2025
Eddie and I are honored to have known you. Ever so often we see your plaque on the bench and think of the great memories we shared.
Jean-Louis
June 18, 2024
Still miss you Mom and Dad.
Tom Graves
June 17, 2024
I wish Odette was here to see the 80th anniversary of D-Day!
Philippe Nepveu
June 15, 2024
Nous ne t'oublions pas Odette !!!!
Jean-Louis LePendu
June 14, 2022
Mom, you lived a full life and managed to raise 2 boys to men. I wish you were still here with us, but Dad waited a long time to see you again. Now you are with him. Hugs and kisses to the both of you. I hope you don't mind if I stick around down here for a while. Thanks for being my Mom, you were the best.
Tom Graves
June 14, 2022
Remembering Odette today.
Sandy Berglund
June 30, 2020
Enjoyed conversation with Odette hearing small bits about her interesting life. What a life well lived.
Tom Graves
June 26, 2020
Those of us in San Francisco will miss Odette and her endless spirit. She did so much to honor veterans but remained modest about her own service with the French Resistance during WWII. Her work with the Jeremiah O'Brien and the Nisei veterans will not be forgotten. What a wonderful woman to have had in our lives. RIP Odette
Josi and Eddie Holleman
June 24, 2020
Odette always had a kind word. Her encouragement, smile, and mostly her laughter will always be remembered. Thank you for being a friend. We will miss you.
PHILIPPE NEPVEU
June 24, 2020
Odette had received a French delegation from the association "Aux Mariners" who came to sign a charter with the association "Jeremiah O'brien", I have very beautiful memories of this beautiful person ... she had shown us her beautiful city of San Francisco ... peace in his soul.
kaaren alvarado
June 22, 2020
was gifted with the opportunithy of drivng her home from an event at the Little Sisters of the Poor on Lafe Street. What a ride and seemed to never stop for breathing> God bless her and RIP dearest forever friend.
RADM Frank X. Johnston, USMS
June 21, 2020
Odette was such a delight to meet at the gangway of the SS Jeremiah O'Brien each time I went aboard. She and Francois were so dedicated to the ship and its trip to Normandy in 1994. Always a French hug and kiss when we met. A true Patriot who will be sorely missed...R.I.P. Madame
Sharon Ghilardi-Udovich
June 21, 2020
My deepest sympathy. While working at Archbishop Riordan high school I had such a wonderful time speaking with Madame LePendu. Such a cheerful lovely lady. She was so proud of her family and told me about her love of baking.
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