Jodi Lynn O'Grady

Jodi Lynn O’Grady, 58, of Portland, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 3, 2025. Her passing was unexpected and far too soon, leaving her family and friends heartbroken but grateful for the love and laughter she shared throughout her life.

Jodi was born on January 25, 1967, in Portland, Oregon, to Bert and Judy Hamm. She would not be an only child for long, as the twins, Karen and Kathy, soon followed in the summer of 1968. From a young age, family was the center of Jodi’s world. She was happiest when surrounded by loved ones. Jodi graduated from Clackamas High School in 1985.

Jodi and Mark, her husband of 29 years, began dating in May 1991 after a trip to Tenino, Washington, with mutual friends to watch an asphalt car race. They stayed up half the night talking, and their lifelong connection began. Together they built a blended family with Mark’s children, Lindsey and Robbie, filling their home with the joy of young kids and new beginnings. They were married in August 1996 and continued to enjoy weekends at the race track and the Oregon Coast. The beach was a special place for Jodi — her family had a home in Seaside, Oregon, and Mark’s parents, Tom and Patty O’Grady, had a home in Long Beach, Washington — making coastal getaways a cherished family tradition.

In 1997, Jodi and Mark welcomed their first daughter, Kellie O’Grady. Jodi found her greatest joy in being a mother, pouring her heart into creating a warm, loving home. She had a natural gift for nurturing — always making sure everyone was cared for, comfortable, and fed, often with one of her signature home-cooked meals or beautifully planned gatherings. In 2005, Jodi’s life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition, Guillain-Barré syndrome. With her nervous system under attack, she was suddenly unable to move her arms or breathe on her own. Jodi spent three months hospitalized at Portland Adventist, much of that time in the ICU on a ventilator, before transitioning to the Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon (RIO), where she re-learned how to walk, dress, and feed herself. Despite uncertainty about the future, Jodi faced her new reality with incredible strength, grace, and determination — inspiring everyone who knew her.

Just one year later, Jodi received the surprise of her life: she was expecting another baby. In 2006, she welcomed her youngest daughter, Kammie O’Grady. Her love for her girls became the driving force behind her recovery and the heart of her daily life. She was determined to give them every bit of love, care, and normalcy she could, proving that her spirit was stronger than any challenge she faced.

In her later years, Jodi continued to show her devotion to family by caring for her mother, Judy Hamm. She became a bright presence in the community where her mother lived, often bringing homemade baked goods and taking time to chat with everyone. Her warmth, smile, and generosity touched everyone she met.

Jodi was preceded in death by her father, Bert Hamm, and sister, Karen Hamm. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Mark O’Grady; her daughters, Kellie O’Grady and Kammie O’Grady; her stepchildren, Lindsey Wheatley and Robbie O’Grady; her mother Judy Hamm and mother-in-law, Patty O’Grady; her sister, Kathy Hamm; her grandchildren, Addison and Aiden; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jodi loved to celebrate and plan a party — from the food, decorations and balloon garlands to every thoughtful detail. She had a gift for making any gathering special and for making everyone feel welcome.

A celebration of Jodi’s life will be held on October 25, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Clackamas, Oregon, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Jodi will be laid to rest with her sister Karen and beside her father Bert, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly — together again, and forever in our hearts.