Odilie Serraulte

Odilie Serraulte, age 88 of Lynn, formerly of Chelsea, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at Life Care of the North Shore in Lynn. She was born in Costa Rica on September 9, 1928, in the port town of Puntarenas, Costa Rica, the daughter of the late, Carlos and Magdalena (Segura) Sarraulte. She was raised and educated in Costa Rica. In 1965 she came to Boston on a visa and worked for the Bothwell Family of Newton, who helped her obtain permanent residency. She later went on to study English and received Certificates from the M.D.T.A. Program in English and Data Entry. She then worked at the Shawmut Bank in Boston, and later John Hancock in Boston. During this time she became very active in her parish of St. Rose of Lima in Chelsea. She received her Master Catechist Certificate from the Archdiocese of Boston in 1979. Odilie touched many with her willingness to serve, her kindness and her bright smile. She found her calling and worked for the Archdiocese of Boston as an office manager and assistant to the Pastor at St. Joseph’s Church in Lynn for over 27 years, serving in the Hispanic community. In 1994 she became a proud citizen of the U.S., but returned to Costa Rica many times to visit. Her family and her faith were central throughout her life. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt and will be missed all who came to know her.

She leaves her daughter, Anne DeStefano, and her husband Robert DeStefano of Lynn; four grandchildren, Jessica DeStefano of Lynn, Kevin DeStefano of Boston, Daniel DeStefano and his wife Kristina DeStefano of Lynn, Eric DeStefano and his wife Sarah DeStefano of Waterford, Connecticut; three great-grandchildren, Cole DeStefano, Marleigh DeStefano and Elliott DeStefano; and her brothers Oscar Sarraulte and Olman Sarraulte of Costa Rica. She also leaves many nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Costa Rica. She was predeceased by her siblings Omar Sarraulte, Olga Sarraulte, Otto Sarraulte, and Orlando Sarraulte.

Ms. Serraulte had played soccer on an all-women’s team in Costa Rica in the 1940’s. Her team travelled and competed throughout Central America. A very spiritual and religious woman, she taught religious education and participated in many retreats over the years. She dedicated her life in the servitude of others at St. Rose of Lima Church in Chelsea and St. Joseph’s Parish in Lynn.

Family and friends are invited to Ms. Serraulte’s visitation on Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 4-8 PM at Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn, MA 01904. Her funeral will begin at 10 AM on Friday, September 23, 2016 at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM at St. Pius V Church at 215 Maple Street in Lynn. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lynn.