Jeanne Oddy

Jeanne Lois Oddy was born in Brooklyn, New York, where she lived with her parents, Ebba and Benjamin Oddy. She graduated from Far Rockaway High School, after which she worked at Doubleday Book Publishers and the Nassau County Welfare Department. After her father’s death, Jeanne and her family relocated to Portland, Maine. Jeanne held a number of jobs in the Portland area, including positions at Blue Cross Blue Shield and several organizations devoted to working with senior citizens.

Jeanne was known for her tremendous love of animals, especially cats and dogs. She regaled all who would listen with stories about her cats or cats for which she provided tender loving care. In her home she had many pieces of art and treasured items that were cat-related. She had a particular affection for the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland and supported the organization in a variety of ways.

For many years Jeanne attended Woodfords Congregational Church in Portland, and also was a regular parishoner at the Thornton Heights Methodist Church in South Portland. It was in these venues, and many others, large and small, that Jeanne experienced and reveled in her love of many kinds of music - from hymns to selections from operas to classical compositions. After hearing the Humming Chorus from Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly, Jeanne wrote “I truly LOVE this music! It almost brought me to tears. It reaches my very soul.”

A service celebrating Jeanne’s life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Jones, Rich & Barnes located at 199 Woodford Street in Portland. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.