Kathryn Ellen O'Dea

Kathryn Ellen O’Dea, 75, of Hebron, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. She was born in Connecticut on August 20, 1946, a daughter of the late Frank and Ethel Davis. She graduated from Quinnipiac University, which is where she met the father of her children, Thomas O'Dea. In her earlier years, she worked for Voos, Macy's and Pepperidge Farms. She helped Tom with his construction business, Creative Rooms, in CT with bookkeeping. While her children were growing up, she volunteered at different places. Her passion for antiques grew from her Aunt Margaret's antique shop where she would help and learn. She's been the owner of Katie's Treasures for over 30 years, starting her business in CT. She's rented booths at local antique malls on the Eastern Shore, currently in Millsboro Antique Alley and Greenwood Treasure Trove. She was a wealth of knowledge. She would happily help, explain, or educate customers or other dealers with that knowledge. She loved talking and meeting other dealers and customers. She had a faithful following of customers, never met a stranger, and had the gift of gab. Her passion was her children. As they grew up, she would volunteer for all of the field trips, plays, annual Jump Rope for Heart and field days, etc. She was always home for her kids and neighbor’s kids. Her house was the one everyone wanted to go. She loved to cook and was a great cook. She loved to entertain. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She would have at least 2-3 Christmas trees up each year. One was always decorated with her favorite vintage ornaments and clip on birds. She loved those vintage birds. She loved driving around looking at the different Christmas lights and displays. She shared her passion of gardening with her dad and she had a green thumb. She took pride in her garden and yard until she couldn't tend them any longer. Later in life, she enjoyed traveling and taking trips, and going to concerts and plays with Kathleen. She was able to see Cher, Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper, Celtic Woman, Community Players of Salisbury, and many Broadway plays to name a few. Due to Covid, she didn't get to see Celine Dion due to postponement. She loved so many and so many loved her. She will be missed by many but she wouldn't want tears shed for her. She lived life to the fullest when she could. Her smile would light up the room. Even in the final chapter of her life, she would laugh, smile and carry on with whoever was listening. She is a special treasure that will forever live on in our hearts and memories. She is survived by her children, Colleen O’Dea (Frank) of Hackettstown, NJ, Thomas O’Dea, III (Paula) of Princess Anne, and Kathleen Sprague (fiancé, Nick Raymond) of Parsonsburg; a sister, Nancy Davis of North Carolina; brothers, Frank Davis (Vicky) of Florida and David Davis (Christine) of Salisbury; and a special friend, Patricia Gagne (Butch) who was like a sister to her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jaiden Sprague; and a brother, Richard Davis. She had many doctors, nurses and staff that have been there for her during these last few years. She adored Dr. Elleda Ziemer; Coastal Hospice home staff: Diana, Erin and Chaplain Joel; Coastal Hospice at the Lake staff and so many that aren't mentioned, we thank you! In memory of Mrs. O'Dea, contributions may be sent to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802, the Maryland Food Bank, P.O. Box 17379, Baltimore, MD 21297-1379, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street in Delmar. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Kathryn Ellen O'Dea

August 20, 1946 - December 7, 2021