Jo Ann O'Dell

Jo Ann O'Dell, 88, passed away Jan. 5, 2014 after a brief illness.

A native of Indiana, Jo Ann earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and biology from Butler University. After additional education and training, she became a registered medical technologist. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, earning an early honors initiation.

Jo Ann moved to Akron when her husband joined the Akron Clinic. She had been a member of First United Methodist Church. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She devoted her energies to homemaking, raising her children, volunteer work, and of course, bridge. Through the years she was a member of multiple organizations including Witan, AGMC Women's Board, Sumner Home Women's Board, Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Association, and Meals on Wheels. An avid bridge player, she was active in several duplicate bridge groups at Akron Woman's City Club, Fairlawn Country Club, and Portage Country Club. She also loved to travel the world.

Jo Ann is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Dr. Harry; daughters, Ann of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Dr. Nancy of Akron; and grandchildren, Samuel and Suzanne Dettling of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of VNS, Akron General's Neuro Science Intensive Care Unit, and Dr. Wachsman for their exceptional care during her time there. The family would also like to thank her new friend and helper, Terri and her coworkers that have been so wonderful in the past months.

Services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with Rev. Charles D. Lentner officiating. Daughters Ann and Nancy will receive friends at the funeral home 5-7 p.m. Friday and along with their father, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday. Private family interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Akron Children's Hospital Foundation, One Perkins Square, Akron 44308; Hospice of VNS or the Akron General Foundation, c/o Akron General Foundation, 400 Wabash Ave., Akron 44307. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)