Donna M. (Maly) Odar

Donna M. (Maly) Odar of Richland, MI Donna, age 78, died peacefully Monday morning, January 15, 2018 at her residence. Donna, the daughter of Charles and Marie (Vrabek) Maly, was born in Gary, IN on November 1, 1939; was a 1957 graduate from Lew Wallace High School and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from DePauw University of Greencastle, IN where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She and her two sisters were affectionately known as the "Maly Dollies" growing up in Gary. Donna was united in marriage to the love of her life Larry Frank Odar in Gary, IN on July 1, 1961. Together they raised their two young children, Michael and Lauren, in Northbrook, IL where Donna taught 7th grade English and worked at the Northbrook Public Library. They loved vacationing in the summer at Gull Lake with friends and eventually moved to Galesburg, MI in 1980. She was a founding member of the Gull Lake Community Volunteers and worked at the Comstock Public library. Donna enjoyed reading, spending time with Larry and their friends, all of her kids' performances and sporting activities, being a member and deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Richland, and especially her five grandchildren. She loved spending time with Larry, family, and friends; sharing countless dinners, shows, travels, and excursions, including visiting Czechoslovakia with her nephew where she was able to meet her extended family. Surviving are her daughter, Lauren M (HT) Snowday of Traverse City, MI; her son, Michael F. (Jennifer) Odar of Hickory Corners, MI and five precious grandchildren, Hallie M. Snowday, Katherine G. Snowday, John "Jack" Snowday, Evan F. Odar and Joseph R. Odar. Also surviving are her sister, Blanche (Bob) Avery, nieces Patricia McLaughlin, Karen Ludwig, and Kathy Avery, as well as extended family members Ilona Reddick, Gary Reddick, Frank Odar, and Roxanne Ortiz. Sadly, Larry preceded her in death on March 4, 2007. Donna was also preceded in death by her parents, oldest sister, Marie McLaughlin and nephew, Robert Avery. Donna's family will greet friends at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) on Friday, January 26th from 4 pm to 7pm. The Memorial Service to celebrate Donna's life will be held on at 11 am on Saturday, January 27th at the First Presbyterian Church of Richland, 8047 Church Street, with the Rev. Dr. Mark W. Jennings, officiating. Final interment will be the Church's Memorial Gardens with her beloved husband, Larry. Family and friends will continue Donna's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon immediately following the service at the Gull Lake Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donna's honor may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church in Richland, the Alzheimer's Association, the SPCA of Southwest Michigan, or the St. Baldricks Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, 1333 South Mayflower Avenue, Suite 400 Monrovia, CA 91016.