Catherine O'Dea

Catherine O’Dea (nee Moloney), 88, Orlando, departed this life on December 25, 2013, peacefully at home. She is survived by her loving family: husband John, daughter Teresa, son-in-law Klaus Hein, sister Lu, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was born on September 18, 1925 in Ballycullane, Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland, in a picturesque area overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The region is known for its flourishing heritage of traditional Irish music and she grew up dancing to this lively music that was found everywhere.

As an adult, she emigrated to England, where she met and married her husband of 63 years. Together, they then made a new life in New York while keeping the Irish traditions alive, reconnecting with lots of fellow immigrants from Clare, and retired to Florida in the late 1980s. Her memory will live on in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to the Hospice of Central Florida, Maitland, FL. or to Vitas Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of Colonial Chapel/Carey Hand, Orlando, FL.