Obituary for Priscilla Anne Odgren
Priscilla A. (Olson) Odgren, 90, of Auburn, died Thursday, May 4, 2023 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester.
Priscilla was born in Auburn, daughter of the late Albert O. Olson and Marion A. (Mitchell) Olson. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 63 years, Raymond S. Odgren in 2015.
Priscilla leaves behind her children, Jeffrey Odgren and his wife Ann, of Berwick, PA; Stephen Odgren and his wife Amy, of Walker, MN; Thomas Odgren and his wife Liz, of Middleton, WI; Jane Bercier and her husband Brian, of Oxford, MA; and Carol Gaumond and her husband Ken, of Auburn, MA. She was the adored grandmother of thirteen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). She is also survived by her brother, Robert Olson; her sister Alberta Hawkins and her husband E. David Hawkins; sister-in-law, Pat Olson; her former sister-in-law Judy Olson; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends. She is predeceased by her brother Richard Olson; sister-in-law Carol Olson; and a great-granddaughter.
Priscilla graduated from Auburn High School, and completed two years of study at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, under Julius Chaloff. She was Music Director, Teacher, and later Director at Bethel Nursery School, as well as a Teacher at Pakachoag Acres Nursery School. She also taught piano for many years.
Music was central to Priscilla’s life, starting with the Olson Family Orchestra with her sister and two brothers. Later, she accompanied various community and school choruses, and a local theater group. She directed many singing groups, including the Men of Bethel and the Bethel Children’s Choirs, and sang in the church choir herself for many years. She was the assistant Organist at Bethel Lutheran Church and the Organist at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, both in Auburn.
Priscilla also thrived in many other creative outlets such as sewing (making many first day of school outfits), knitting, and tole painting. The annual holiday craft fair she hosted at her home was always a favorite gathering of friends and family.
Above all else, Priscilla valued family and time spent together. Even if you weren’t family, she made you feel welcomed and special. The highlight of any day was a cup of coffee and a visit.
Her positive attitude and spirit will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Auburn, MA on June 17, 2023 at 11 AM. Burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camp Calumet Lutheran (https://www.calumet.org/)
Priscilla was born in Auburn, daughter of the late Albert O. Olson and Marion A. (Mitchell) Olson. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 63 years, Raymond S. Odgren in 2015.
Priscilla leaves behind her children, Jeffrey Odgren and his wife Ann, of Berwick, PA; Stephen Odgren and his wife Amy, of Walker, MN; Thomas Odgren and his wife Liz, of Middleton, WI; Jane Bercier and her husband Brian, of Oxford, MA; and Carol Gaumond and her husband Ken, of Auburn, MA. She was the adored grandmother of thirteen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). She is also survived by her brother, Robert Olson; her sister Alberta Hawkins and her husband E. David Hawkins; sister-in-law, Pat Olson; her former sister-in-law Judy Olson; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends. She is predeceased by her brother Richard Olson; sister-in-law Carol Olson; and a great-granddaughter.
Priscilla graduated from Auburn High School, and completed two years of study at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, under Julius Chaloff. She was Music Director, Teacher, and later Director at Bethel Nursery School, as well as a Teacher at Pakachoag Acres Nursery School. She also taught piano for many years.
Music was central to Priscilla’s life, starting with the Olson Family Orchestra with her sister and two brothers. Later, she accompanied various community and school choruses, and a local theater group. She directed many singing groups, including the Men of Bethel and the Bethel Children’s Choirs, and sang in the church choir herself for many years. She was the assistant Organist at Bethel Lutheran Church and the Organist at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, both in Auburn.
Priscilla also thrived in many other creative outlets such as sewing (making many first day of school outfits), knitting, and tole painting. The annual holiday craft fair she hosted at her home was always a favorite gathering of friends and family.
Above all else, Priscilla valued family and time spent together. Even if you weren’t family, she made you feel welcomed and special. The highlight of any day was a cup of coffee and a visit.
Her positive attitude and spirit will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Auburn, MA on June 17, 2023 at 11 AM. Burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camp Calumet Lutheran (https://www.calumet.org/)