Barbara Odgers

1937 - 2017

East Lyme - Barbara (Bennett) Odgers passed away peacefully Monday, July 17, 2017, surrounded by her family.

Barbara was born on Oct. 31, 1937, in Springfield Mass. She was the youngest of three daughters of Helen D. Bennett and Wallace E. Bennet. Her sisters, Patty Lee and Marian, were her dearest friends in childhood and adulthood. The three shared wonderful years growing up in Springfield, with Barbara getting to be the third wheel on Marian's early dates and the bridesmaid at both sisters' weddings.

Barbara met her own future husband, Frederick, in 1956, whom she quickly fell madly in love with. The two married and relocated to Niantic, where they lived out the rest of their lives and brought three beloved children into the world. While Barbara's love of her family was incredibly strong, she will perhaps be most remembered for her love of books of which she never seemed to have enough of. No matter the subject, Barbara would surely have a book on it. If not, she would definitely have one by the next time you saw her. Beyond the thousands of books in her home, Barbara was a constant saver. She kept everything from 10-year-old wrapping paper to the family heirlooms that may not have monetary value, but were the center of a wonderful tale she would happily regale you with. Barbara's mind was built for storytelling. She could detail wonderful memories such as when her husband asked for her parents' approval for their marriage as well as she could recount her last week of work at the Coast Guard Academy where she was employed as an accountant for the past two decades.

Barbara was stubborn, but full of love. She always answered the phone when her children called and she never missed an important event for her grandchildren. She and her husband were very instrumental in restoring the Smith Harris House, and dedicated many years volunteering at the museum. She enjoyed making pies for her friends and family, and would joyfully take pictures of the delicious treats to share on Facebook. She also enjoyed being a part of her church and enjoyed meeting people. She was incredibly strong and stoic; she could give and take bad news as toughly as anyone. She supported her late husband and two sisters as they passed on.

Now, as she moves on to the next adventure, Barbara is sure to be reunited with those she loved most, her beloved Fred, her loving parents and her dearest sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Farr and her husband, Roy, of Florida; her son, Craig Odgers and his wife, Mimi, of Massachusetts; and her son, Drew Odgers of Connecticut. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, all of whom loved her dearly.

A memorial gathering will be held at 11 am. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Niantic Baptist Church, in celebration of Barbara's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for nonperishable food items or other household supplies to fill boxes at the church to be delivered to Care & Share. Monetary donations may be made to Care & Share of East Lyme, Inc., P.O. Box 114, East Lyme, CT 06333.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.