Dorothy O'Dea

Dorothy Mary Hughes O'Dea, age 88, died September 28, 2011, at Hospice Care, Inc., Madison, after several years of declining health. She was born to Raymond Vincent Hughes and his wife Frances Idella Trask on December 1st, 1922, in the family home at 512 S. Brooks St, Madison, Wisconsin. She was the 7th of 10 children. She was a graduate of West High School. Dorothy waited four years for the love of her life and future husband, David O'Dea, to come home from his tour of duty in the Army during World War II. Dorothy served on the home front, making batteries at Ray-O-Vac. They were united in marriage November 20, 1945 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, a love story that lasted nearly 66 years. They were members of St. Raphael Cathedral Parish for many years and later joined St. James Parish. Dorothy's main focus was being a wife, mother and grandmother. She also worked at the Bancroft Dairy Fountain, and for a number of years she managed Tripp Commons at the University of Wisconsin Memorial Union. Dorothy enjoyed knitting, crocheting and embroidery. She also took pleasure in ceramics and gardening. She and David were active in the St. James Church Choir, South Side Hockey Association, South Side Men's and Women's Club, Wisconsin Campers Association, and VFW Post 1318. Survivors include her husband David O'Dea, two daughters, Colleen Potter and Kathleen O'Dea, five grandchildren, Ryan (Mortisha Bushey) , Patrick, David and Jamie O'Dea and Michelle Potter, as well as great grandchildren Breanna Bushey, Avery, Austin, and Jamila O'Dea. She is also blessed with many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Thomas Aquinas, granddaughter Christine Potter, her parents and her brothers Howard, Raymond, Thomas, James and John, and sisters Mary Jane Hughes, Olive (Sis) Behrnd, Frances (Dottie) Halberslaben, and Nathiel Westbury. Friends may call at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, from 1-4, Sunday, October 2. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 3, at 11a.m. at St. James Church, 1130 St. James Court. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your favorite charity, particularly organizations assisting those with Macular Degeneration, Kidney Failure, or Heart Failure. The family would like to thank those who helped Dorothy over the last several months, particularly Dr. Laurel Rabson of the Dean Clinic, Home Health United, and the "angels" - the kind and compassionate nurses and other staff at St. Mary's Hospital and Hospice Care, Inc.