Lorrie Linn Odell

Lorrie Linn Odell passed peacefully in her home on the evening of February 21, 2024 after a nearly three-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She once wrote that she was grateful, noting how her diagnosis had “stopped me in my tracks” for a month—which she spent crying nonstop and doing far too much research—but which ultimately sent her on a path of “living my life rather than planning my death.” It was this life that was so beautifully lived and so bravely fought for that will be so deeply missed by all that had the privilege of knowing her.

Lorrie was born May 20, 1955 in Lansing, Michigan, the eldest daughter of Paul and Margaret Linn. She was the keeper of three younger brothers—Jeffrey, James, and Joseph—and raised within the loving mayhem of a large, Catholic family in the suburbs of Toledo, Ohio. Following her graduation from St. Ursula Academy in Toledo in 1973, Lorrie and her family moved from Ohio to Southern California. As often comes to pass, Lorrie grappled with many of the trials of young adulthood upon arriving to her new home; however, determined to make a life for herself and contribute to the community that had all but saved her, Lorrie dedicated herself to a career in drug and alcohol counseling, shepherding countless lives through their own rock bottoms all the while racking up 34 years of hard-earned sobriety herself. Lorrie settled in Orange County, California—spending some of her favorite times with her nieces and nephews during school breaks in Laguna Beach, with hot days spent on sandy beaches and warm nights spent in the sawdust of the local art festival. And of course, there were always a million pictures to be taken. Lorrie later married, rescued many fur-babies (including her best girl, Cocoa Bunny, and later, her beloved, Shorty), and crafted a life of joy, purpose, love, humor, generosity, and gratitude. She was an avid fan of the Anaheim Ducks. Despite the majority of her family being Los Angeles Kings fans, Lorrie would treat her entire family to a Ducks-Kings rivalry game each year. Lorrie loved a Ducks win almost as much as she loved having all of her people together in an arena watching hockey. To date, Lorrie and the Ducks hold the win-loss advantage in the family rivalry game, which will be continued in her honor.

Lorrie was diagnosed with ALS in March 2021, and instead of preparing to die upon learning of her incurable diagnosis, she fought to live. Lorrie made a bucket list. She surrounded herself with the best medical team to fight for every extra day. She relished time with friends. She went to concerts and hockey games, and she indulged in both the small and large treats. She bought a house in Ashville, Alabama, picked up her life, and moved. Settled in her new home, Lorrie went on trips to explore new cities and see new things. She built a community in Ashville. She built an ALS community online. When ALS stole her voice, she connected through funny reels on Instagram and snarky remarks written on her whiteboard, reminding her family—even in her final weeks—that “we don’t need to be so somber, I’m not dead yet.” She kept a ‘Wall of Joy and Love’ in her bedroom, with artwork and photos from her great nieces and nephews and cards from loved ones, to lift her spirits. And when the imminence of her disease became clear, Lorrie was at peace, enveloped in the love of family and friends, and resolute in her Catholic faith and the assurance that she would be reunited with loved ones who had gone before her.

Lorrie is preceded in death by her parents, Paul Richard and Margaret Elizabeth (Shea) Linn. She is survived, adored, and deeply missed by: her three brothers: Jeffrey Linn (Susan), James Linn, and Joseph Linn (Laurel); her brother-in-law: Craig Odell (Nancy); her nieces and nephews: Trevor Linn, Rachel Linn Broadhead (Chad), Erin Linn, Karah Linn, Kyle Linn (Cassie), Abigael Linn, Halle Linn, Kelly Odell Baucum (Michael), and Ryan Odell (Katelyn); her great nieces and nephews: Ava Broadhead, Samuel Broadhead, Taylor Linn, Carter Linn, and Violet Baucum; her former husband, John Odell; and her most beloved dog, Shorty.