Jeanne Allen O’Dell

Jeanne Allen O’Dell, 94, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2024 in Vancouver, WA. Jeanne was born on August 27, 1929 to Kenneth H. and Lucena Swain in Seattle, WA. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.W. “Bob” O’Dell; her sister, Jan Welsh; and her beloved precious pups, Sam and Megie. She is survived by her sons, Dan (Joanne) O’Dell, Casey (Stephanie) O’Dell, and daughter Molly (Jim) Brown, and by her seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Jeanne attended schools in Kent, WA and Vancouver, WA and graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. After graduation, Jeanne became a stewardess for NW Airlines based in Portland, OR where she met her husband, Bob O’Dell. They married on January 31, 1953 in Vancouver, WA and moved to Camas, WA where her children were born. In 1991, they moved to Fairway Village in Vancouver, WA.

Jeanne loved the sun and enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii and Florida, as well as boating on the Columbia River. Loving the sun made it only natural for her to become a “snowbird” during winter – she spent every winter in Palm Desert until 2019, frequently hosting friends and family.

Jeanne had a volunteer spirit and volunteered as a tour guide for the Washington State Legislature. Jeanne also volunteered at Vancouver Memorial, Southwest Washington Medical Center, and at the Portland Airport for several years as an information specialist. Jeanne’s hobbies included watching Seattle Mariners baseball games and University of Washington Huskies football and softball games.

Services for Jeanne will take place on January 26 at 1:00pm at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Washougal.

If you would like to honor Jeanne with a memorial donation, the family has identified the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society because of Jeanne’s love of puppies.