Cathryn O’Dell passed away on October 24, 2025, after an illness.
Cathryn (Cathy) was born on November 24, 1959, in Concord, MA, to Norine and Norman Christian. She was the youngest and joined her older siblings, Michael and Patricia. As a child, Cathy was active in Girl Scouts and took dance classes before graduating from Concord-Carlisle High School. After high school, she followed her siblings into the insurance industry and worked in the claims department at Sentry Insurance for 15 years.
During that time, she gave birth to her son, Douglas (Doug) Christian and spent the early part of his childhood raising him alongside her sister and parents in the family home in Nashua, NH.
In 1991, during The Gulf War, she wrote a letter addressed to “Any Serviceman” to thank them for their service. That letter was answered by Army Specialist Patrick (Pat) O’Dell, who was stationed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Their correspondence turned to phone calls and visits as their long-distance relationship blossomed. On March 17, 1992, Cathy and Pat were married in Kansas City, MO, and celebrated their union on the streets of Westport with Saint Patrick’s Day revelers.
The couple, along with Doug, made their home in Pat’s hometown of Excelsior Springs, MO, until relocating to Manchester, NH, in the early 2000s. After their son returned to the Midwest, the couple settled in Chillicothe, MO, in 2016.
Cathy was a lifelong animal lover and adopted many beloved cats and dogs through the years. She appreciated nature and enjoyed camping, hiking and walking at Dorrs Pond in New Hampshire. As an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, Cathy and Patrick attended numerous home games at Arrowhead Stadium. They were members of the Chiefs’ charitable organization, the “Red Coaters,” and she volunteered at many fundraisers and events.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Patrick O’Dell of Chillicothe, MO; son, Douglas Christian (JoLee) of Kansas City, MO; brother, Michael Christian of Peoria, AZ; and sister, Patricia Christian of Haverhill, MA. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Kenney O’Dell and Tricia O’Dell; her grandson, Grayson O’Dell; and her beloved three dogs and two cats.
She is predeceased by her parents, Norman and Norine.
The family would like to thank her friend and caregiver, Shawnette Greer, for friendship, advocacy and care these last few months.
Graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, MO, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
