Verna Elaine Odell

Was born May 18, 1937 in San Diego California. She grew up in San Diego graduating from Lincoln High School in 1955, and went on to college to learn Bookkeeping and Accounting. Verna married Howard O’Dell in 1958 and settled down in El Cajon. They had 3 children, John, Mark and Debra. Verna went by her middle name “Elaine” and she worked as an office manager/bookkeeper for Sun Security and Ranger Patrol for several years. Elaine was a very successful Avon Sales Representative in the El Cajon and La Mesa area for over 50 years. She worked until the age of 75 and retired due to health reasons. She was a wonderful mother who worked hard to take care of her family. Elaine was a breast cancer survivor, an amputee and a dialysis patient for several years but she never complained. Her stoic strength and courage in facing such challenges is why everyone loved and admired her. Even with the onset of dementia, her sense of humor shined through it all. Elaine led by example and she was highly respected by all who knew her. Sadly, Elaine passed away on Saturday, October 6th, 2018 in Lemon Grove after a lengthy illness.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents John C. Forbes and Ellen C. Anderson Forbes in 1956, her eldest son John C. O’Dell in 2003, and her husband Howard G. O’Dell in 2005. She is survived by her son Mark W. O’Dell (Teri) and Debra J. O’Dell (Perez) of El Cajon, her brother John H. Forbes (Valerie) of Edinburg Scotland, nieces Annabelle Forbes of Florida, and Sarah Forbes of Edinburg Scotland, 6 grandchildren and several great grandchildren as well as friends.

Mom, you are an angel now, please watch over us and keep a spot for us. We will always love you and forever we will miss you, Thank you for being our mom. Rest in peace always, until we meet again.