Colette F. Odell

Dateline: East Greenbush, NY
Colette F. Odell, a woman of boundless curiosity and deep love, passed away peacefully at 75 on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in East Greenbush, NY. Born on May 22, 1949, she was the cherished daughter of the late Royce and Alice Jeannette (Baxter) Odell. Colette's thirst for knowledge led her to graduate from Oneonta High School and later earn her master's degree from Oneonta College.
For a lifetime, Colette poured her heart into teaching, retiring from Hoosick Valley Central School District after a career that touched countless lives. A true lifelong learner, she devoured books with a passion, always eager to explore new ideas. Some of her all-time favorite authors included Malcolm Guite, Tommy DiPalo, and Madeleine L. Engle. She was a regular Jeopardy watcher – often outsmarting the contestants – and loved diving deep into topics that sparked her interest. As a proud member of the Capital District Storytellers Organization, she wove tales that captivated those around her.
Colette's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of St. George's Episcopal Church in Clifton Park, where she found peace and community. Her love extended to her furry companions, too – Dachshunds were her lifelong friends, and her special pal Schnitzel held a permanent place in her heart. Above all, Colette's family was her greatest joy, especially her grandson, Tavin, whom she adored with every fiber of her being.
Colette was a longtime devoted fan of New York sports, specifically cheering on the Yankees and players Paul O'Niel and Bernie Williams, as well as the Buffalo Bills and players Marv Levy, Jim Kelly, and Josh Allen.
She leaves behind her beloved son, Andrew Odell and wife Kia, and her treasured grandson, Tavin Odell. She is also remembered fondly by her dear cousins John Seward, Leona Hoag, Marjorie Hill, and the late Jim Seward, who preceded her in passing.
All are warmly invited to gather and honor Colette's remarkable life during calling hours on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.
A Funeral Service will follow at 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
Her interment will take place at a later date in Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Oneonta, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the World Literacy Foundation, 712 H Street NE Suite 2013, Washington, D.C. 20002; Canine Companions, P.O. Box 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446; Habitat for Humanity, 285 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Suite 2700, Atlanta, GA 30303 USA; or Ronald McDonald House, 139 S Lake Ave, Albany, NY 12208. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Colette, please visit our floral store.