Hilda Odeh

May 14, 1929 - July 13, 2018

Hilda Odeh (nee Sakhel), 89, passed away on July 13, 2018. She was born in Jerusalem on May 14, 1929. She married the love of her life, Edward Odeh in 1950. Sadly, Eddie passed away at an early age in 1964, leaving behind Hilda and their three children. A few years later, Hilda immigrated to the United States. She bravely established herself in the welcoming community of St. Gertrude Parish on Chicago’s North Side. She soon involved herself in the life of the parish and the larger community and made Chicago her home. She made many new friends and created a network of other friends who had immigrated to the U.S. from Palestine and Jordan. Hilda’s life revolved around her Catholic faith, her family, and her friends. She leaves behind many people who loved her dearly, including her children, Amal Pope (Ken, RIP), Nabil Odeh (Letti), and Dima Kirland (Kerry). She was an integral part of her grandchildren’s, lives, spending years helping to raise them in her incredibly loving way. These grandchildren—Tanya Larese (Sean), Billy Kirland (Kelsei), Kristin, Kevin, and Natalie—were thoroughly in love with their ‘Teta’ and have become wonderful young adults because of her love and care. Hilda loved her siblings dearly. The distance between her older brother, Lutfi Sakhel (Mary), who lived in London, never deterred her from maintaining a close and loving relationship with him and his family. She unfortunately lost her youngest sibling, Nina Sakhel in 1999. Nina was such a wonderful and bright figure in the lives of Hilda and all her family that Hilda spoke of her daily. And until Hilda’s last days, she was best friend and confidant of her loving younger sister Alice Odeh (Jim Zakrzewski). Alice and Jim heroically stayed with Hilda until her final breath. Hilda leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and two wonderful great-grandchildren who adored her and regarded her as their own loving mother. She was fortunate to have spent a couple of years with her great-grandchildren Alex and Austin, who gave her endless joy, and not a few panic attacks. She was wonderfully close to her sister Alice’s children Shereen (Aaron), Sammy (Kris), and Ranya (Doug), all of whom regarded her as a second mother. Her grand nieces and nephews Christine, Nick, Brandon, Jessie, and Nick adored Hilda. Hilda passed away peacefully in the presence of her family and friends after a wonderful life filled with love and family and service to others. While we are all heartbroken that she has left us, we know it was her time and believe that she is in the loving arms of Jesus Christ now. Her faith in God was constant and unwavering and we know she is with Him and all the wonderful family and friends that preceded her to Heaven. God Bless Hilda… we will always keep you in our hearts.