Mary J. (Stricker) Odette, Tucson, AZ/Formerly Edgerton, WI  (1956 - 2012)

Mary Jo (Stricker) Odette of Tucson AZ, formerly of Edgerton WI, passed away on Sunday, July 29, 2012, at Tucson Medical Center, after a short battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on Nov. 27, 1956, the daughter of the late Robert Sr. "Bob" Stricker and Beatrice "Bee" (Bussey) Stricker. Mary graduated from Edgerton High School in 1975. She was a trained court reporter, but found her calling helping adolescents cope with alcohol and drug addiction. While working at Anderson Alcoholic Rehabilitation Hospital in Edgerton, she met her husband, Dr. William Odette. They moved to Tucson in 1988, and were married Oct. 6, 1990, at United Methodist Church in Edgerton. Once settled in Tucson, she began work at B&B Cactus Farm which nurtured her fascination and passion for the plants of the desert southwest. A fiercely loyal friend to Jody (Halverson) Love, she became an honorary parent over the years to Jody's three children, impacting their lives until the day of her death. Mary loved books, music, shopping, botany and her close network of dear friends and family.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her brothers, Robert Jr. "Bobbee" (Carolyn) Stricker and John "Jack" Stricker; her nephews, Scott Stricker and Steve (Nicki) Stricker; her niece, Vicky (Mark) Nixon; and her great nieces and nephews: Rowan, Bobbi, Isabella and Owen.
The family would like to thank Mary's longtime friends, "The Edgerton Girls", which have stood together through all obstacles these many years.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, at EDGERTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14 at WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME 1004 S. Main St., Edgerton, and again on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the services at the CHURCH. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials can be made to Edgerton Community Outreach in Mary's name. May Mary's spirit continue to light up the world.
Whitcomb-Lynch-Albrecht Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1004 S. Main St., Edgerton (608) 884-6010
www.whitcomb-lynch-albrecht.com