Profile Image
Odette "Odie" (Nichols) Toomey
February 02, 2021

Obituary

SPRINGFIELD – Odette “Odie” Nichols Toomey of Springfield passed away on February 2, 2021 at the age of 93. She went to join the love of her life, Joe, in heaven. She leaves behind her three daughters Cynthia Ullrich and husband Rick, Kathy Bentley and husband Bob, and Theresa Tease. She was the beloved “Sittoo” to Alexandra, Paul, Nicholas, Adam and wife Luciana, Anna and husband Matt, and Grace, as well as her great granddaughter Emma. She also leaves her beloved sister Marie Sarkis, a brother-in-law Al Mancini, and her many nieces and nephews and their families. Odie was predeceased by her brothers Ed and Nick, her sister Dodie, son-in-law Bobby, brother-in-law Johnny, and sisters-in-law Celia, Barb and Virginia. Odie was born in Pittsfield, MA on November 15, 1927, and lived in Pittsfield and Springfield, as a child. After graduating from Commerce High School, she went to work for New England Telephone. One very special New Year’s Eve, she met the man who would become her husband and love of her life. They were married in 1950 and raised their family in Springfield. Raising her girls, with her siblings and their children close by, was the focus of Odie’s life. She was happy to entertain the entire family at the drop of a hat. She loved to cook for all of her family, especially their favorite Lebanese food. The goodie bags with leftovers that she would send home were legendary. She also delighted in taking pictures of her family and would often send her children and nieces and nephews copies of those pictures. Walking and swimming were also a lifelong passion for Odie. As the family grew, Joe and Odie took trips to Las Vegas, Saratoga, Atlantic City and Italy with their dear friends Charlie and Mary Suse and Chel and John Sarage. They also traveled to Florida several times to visit their beloved friends Joe and Dee Gustin. Odie took trips to England, Scotland and Hawaii with her brother Ed and sister-in-law Barb. She was the first one up on the dance floor whenever there was a party or wedding. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, services will be held at a later date. Her Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization that was very dear to her heart - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at: https://www.stjude.org. She was involved with this organization in its early years, and was thrilled to meet Danny Thomas at a fundraiser many years ago. For more details and to leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com

Content is coming soon...
St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels
7 Chapin Terrace
Springfield, MA 01107
413-737-1177