Louisa Mordecai Odom

Louisa was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1934, where she graduated from Needham Broughton High School. In 1956, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and began working as a teacher and guidance counselor at two Raleigh-area junior high schools. Later that year, Louisa married Jim Odom, her husband for over 62 years.

After the birth of their first child in 1962, Louisa and Jim relocated to New York City, a move she described as one of the most significant events of her life. Louisa fully embraced the rich culture of the city, enjoying Broadway shows, the New York Philharmonic, and performances at the (old and new) Metropolitan Opera House. In 1965, she earned a Master of Science in Occupational Information and Guidance from North Carolina State University. While in New York, Louisa and Jim added two more children to their family, one in 1966 and one in 1967.

In 1969, the family moved to Minnesota. In the Minneapolis suburb of Apple Valley, Louisa and Jim built a home and raised their three children. They lived in that same house for nearly 50 years, where Louisa prepared delicious southern meals for countless holidays and dinner parties. In the mid-1970s, Louisa began her second career as a human resource professional at a private consultancy for more than 20 years. Following their retirement in 1999, Louisa and Jim enjoyed many years of travel throughout the country and around the world.

Louisa was a lifelong learner. She was interested in a wide range of subjects, including history, religion, economics, and politics. She was fluent in French and would often recite classic poetry. Louisa’s actions reflected her unwavering moral compass. She was a staunch advocate for human rights and served for many years with the League of Women Voters in Minnesota. Through her example, Louisa passed along these values to the people around her. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow to become bright, successful, and independent citizens.

Louisa was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her mother, Georgia Davis Mordecai; her father, William Grimes Mordecai; and her sister, Elizabeth Davis Mordecai. Her brother, Bill, passed away on January 29, 2025.

She is survived by her children, Ed (Deb), Laura, and David (Kris); her grandchildren, Megan (Brett), Alex (Isabella), Jake (Mo), Kara (Per), Chris, and Brent; and her great-grandchildren, Sierra, Chase, Hazel, and Harvey.

Louisa was baptized at Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, and remained a faithful Episcopal congregant throughout her life. A Celebration of Life service was held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Burnsville, MN.

A second Celebration of Louisa's Life will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, North Carolina. A reception will immediately follow the service at Brown-Wynne. Louisa’s ashes will be scattered in the Atlantic Ocean, in accordance with her wishes.

In lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones are encouraged to make donations through Christ Church of Raleigh, North Carolina website (CCRal.org/Memorial-Honorarium), or directly to the benevolent cause of their choosing.