Kathleen Agnes Odem passed away Sunday evening, September 3rd in the company of her lifelong companion, Blanca Rodriguez. She was preceded in death by her parents, William T. Odem and Agnes B. Odem; siblings Marjorie Wise and husband Gene, Billy Odem and wife Joyce, and sister Adeline Odem. Survivors include her sister Sarah Beckmann and husband Bert; nephews Bill Wise and wife Ruth, Bobby Wise, Richard Beckmann and wife Kathy, Joe Beckmann and wife Leissa, Pat Beckmann and wife Carla, and Scott Spradley and wife Debbie. Nieces include Margene Wise, Binka Bone, Meghan Newman and husband Terry, Annette Beckmann, and Lisa Take and husband Stu; numerous great and great-great-nieces and nephews also survive their beloved aunt.

Kathleen was born December 17, 1939 in San Antonio, and was raised in Kerrville, attending Notre Dame School and Tivy High School. She enjoyed all the outdoor activities the beautiful hill country had to offer, including camping at Camp Mystic during the summer, and later dancing at Crider's dance hall on many summer nights. A licensed water safety instructor, her love for helping others was nurtured by teaching swimming and water safety to all ages. She enrolled at Our Lady of the Lake to begin her college career, and, always the most entertaining person at any party she attended, reveled in all the liberating aspects of being in the big city of San Antonio.  Graduating from Incarnate Word College several years later, she earned her teaching degree and taught in several private schools before beginning her tenure at the San Antonio Independent School District, where she taught grade school until 1999 after approximately 25 years of service.

Post-retirement, she and Blanca traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. One of the travel highlights was visiting the Army General Hospital in Munich where her sister Adeline had served as an Army nurse in WWII.  Making friends wherever she went, she was never far from her IPhone loaded with all her favorite tunes, and true to her Irish heritage, always had the ideal playlist to evoke the perfect mood for a spontaneous party. She loved life, and we loved her dearly. We will miss you, Kathy!

The family is grateful to The Village at Incarnate Word DeMatel House skilled nursing facility for their kind and compassionate care these past months.