Patricia Suzanne (Avenmarg) O'Dell

February 20, 1956—October 6, 2025

Pat O'Dell died on Monday October 6, after a three-and-a-half-year struggle with Chronic
Myeloid Leukemia. She is survived by her brother Mark Avenmarg, cousins William Carney
and Ronetta (Carney) Uhl, second cousin Patricia Thompson, second cousins Michael and Susan (Thompson) Sheets and their children and families: Leann Sheets and David Livingston, Daniel Sheets and Ashlee Rossler—as well as many treasured friends.

Pat enjoyed saying that her history with Torch Lake began before she was born. This is true;
her grandparents William and Mildred Carney bought property on Torch in 1948—and her
parents Herbert and Neva (Carney) Avenmarg started building sweat equity before they were married.

It was an enduring ambition of Pat's to live at the lake after her retirement from what came to be
a nearly 30-year career with Ford Motor Company. (Pat was proud to be a third-generation Ford
employee.) She felt very fortunate to have made that ambition a reality, and was able to spend
her closing years in a place she loved passionately.

Golf was another of Pat's passions; she spent many a happy hour (or not) at local clubs,
especially nearby A-Ga-Ming.

Pat was also community-minded, belonging to the Torch Lake Protection Alliance, as well as
the Elk Rapids chapter of 100 Women Who Care. She strongly advocated membership in both of
these organizations.

Pat was an avid knitter, donating countless handmade items to individuals and local charities.

Some words from Pat herself:

"It has given me enormous pleasure to watch Elk Rapids thrive over the more than 60 years
that Torch Lake has been a part of my life. I hope the Village can retain the small-town
charm and family-friendly philosophy that have contributed to its high-quality schools and
community spirit.

I wish I had the words to thank my larger family: those who supported me and helped me through all of this—Shirley, Deb, Lisa, Tom, Tim, Ben, Nicole, the amazing people on my medical team, and too many others to name. Thank you.

I ask one thing of those who know me: Please have your blood tested on a regular basis. Early detection can make all the difference.

In lieu of flowers for my memorial gathering, please consider a donation to LLS
(The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), the Munson Healthcare Foundation's Cowell Family Cancer Center Infusion Clinic, or the charity of your choice."

Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10 AM to 11 AM, and then a Celebration of Life from 11AM to 12PM, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, 511 S. Garfield Ave., Traverse City, Michigan, 49686

Arrangements by Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel.

www.beaconfh.com