Peggy O’Dea

1950 - 2021

KEARNEY - Peggy O'Dea, 70, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney.
Private family services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. James Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph Hannappel officiating. The services will be livestreamed and can be viewed at https://stjameschurchkearney.org/
Public memorial service and burial will be at a later date.
Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.
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Peggy was born June 28, 1950, in Grand Island to Alex and Des (Demakes) Poullos. She graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1968 and Kearney State College in 1973.
Peggy married Tim O'Dea on June 15, 1974, in Grand Island. They were blessed with two daughters, Megan and Kate.
Peggy took great joy in her career as an elementary school teacher for 37 years, teaching at Wood River Elementary and Emerson Elementary in Kearney. She retired in 2010. While teaching she was active in local, state and national educational organizations.
Following her retirement, Peggy continued as a community volunteer serving on the boards of Kearney Public Schools Foundation (served as chair), Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation (served as chair), and Buffalo County Community Partners (serving as co-chair). She volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital and was an active member of St. James Catholic Church where she helped count the Sunday collection every Monday morning for 10 years. Peggy also was an active member of PEO Chapter GG in Kearney. She loved the Kearney community and it loved her right back.
Peggy had many hobbies she loved including quilting and sewing, cooking for others, playing bridge, tending to her flowers, decorating and lunching with her friends. Together, Tim and Peggy enjoyed road tripping around the country to various destinations, but her favorite was Omaha to see her grandkids. Peggy's greatest joy in life was being 'YiaYia' to Rex and Poppy. Nothing made her happier than getting to shop for them and read and cuddle during their visits.
Peggy is survived by her husband, Tim O'Dea of Kearney; daughters, Megan and Brian Jenkins of Omaha, and Kate O'Dea of Omaha; grandson, Rex Jenkins of Omaha,; granddaughter, Poppy Terhaar of Omaha; and brother, George and Jody Poullos of Omaha.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Kearney Public Schools Foundation, Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation or the HelpCare Clinic.
Visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave condolences online.