Emily Michael Odegard

Emily Odegard of Olympia, Wa passed away on January 15, 2025 at the age of 93. She was born in the small village of Qyteza, Albania on July 4th, 1931 to the late Peter Michael and Vita Doces Michael. Her family immigrated to Seattle, WA when Emily was 4 years old. She grew up in Seattle attending Lincoln High School followed by the University of Washington where she met her husband of 65 plus years H. Edward Odegard. Emily is survived by her sister Violet Sperry, son Rick Odegard (Donna) of Collierville, TN and daughters Lori Mar of Seattle, WA and Nancy Markel (Phil) of Olympia, WA, granddaughters Danielle Pilat (Kyle), 2 grandchildren Kristen Van Drie (Alex), Melika Reinitz (Wes) and 2 great grandchildren Mark and Michael Van Drie. She was tragically preceded in death by granddaughter Amanda and great granddaughter Kaylee.

Emily was always quiet and unassuming, but quite the doer teaming up with Ed and some business partners to build and run from scratch the Tumwater Valley Athletic Club. It is one of the finest athletic clubs in the country. She was also very adventurous traveling around the world with her husband Ed to include bungee jumping off of a bridge in New Zealand where big brave Ed was trembling before the jump and Emily leaped off the bridge like it was something she had done every day of her life. She also founded a scholarship fund for single mothers helping them get a start in life.

Emily lived a wonderful long life and was loved by everyone she came in contact with. She will be missed dearly by all her friends and family.