Catherine (Cryan) O'Dea, longtime resident of Needham, passed away peacefully in her home on July 7, 2025, at the age of 85. She was the beloved wife of Thomas “Louie” O'Dea, with whom she shared 63 devoted years of marriage.
A loving and dedicated mother, Catherine is survived by her daughters: Ann O’Dea and her husband Martin of Dover, MA; Eileen Moffett of Topsfield, MA; Maureen O’Dea of Merrimack, NH; and Alexis Kelleher and her husband Bill of Needham, MA. She was a cherished grandmother to Meagan (Xhoi Gjojdeshi), Molly, Margaret (William Seals), Bobby, Jack, Emily, Norah, Ronan, and Eamon, and a proud great-grandmother to McKenzie.
Born and raised in Ballymote, County Sligo, Ireland, Catherine immigrated to the United States at age 17. She met the love of her life, Louie, in 1957 while living in Haverhill. Early on, she worked for the phone company and often recalled the joy of summers spent in Newburyport, surrounded by vibrant energy and friendships.
Catherine and Louie settled first in Brighton, where she dedicated many years to raising their children. They later moved briefly to Medford before making their longtime home in Needham, lovingly referred to by Catherine as “God’s Country.”
Once her children were of school age, Catherine rejoined the workforce, taking a position at Family Federal Savings Bank while also pursuing real estate education. She completed her Massachusetts Real Estate licensing course and began renting apartments in Brighton. Her ambition and business acumen led her to co-found Quest Real Estate with Louie, where together they successfully managed numerous real estate transactions.
Catherine was the loving sister of Thomas Cryan and Josie Cryan of Ireland, and Bartholomew Cryan of North Attleboro, MA. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Cryan.
Catherine will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to Faith, Family and Education.
Her favorite days were ones spent simply with family and friends- whether that was at an Irish dance competition, various sporting events, shopping at the mall or sipping a vanilla latte.
She was so proud of her families academic achievements - evidenced by the bumper stickers on her much loved Volvo and the sweatshirts and hats she wore.
She was a longtime parishioner of St Joseph’s Parish and valued a catholic education.
Visitation at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. Needham on Monday, July 14, from 4 to 7pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Tuesday, July 15 at 9am followed by a funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Needham at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Needham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St Joseph’s School, Office of Development, 90 Pickering Street, Needham, MA 02492.