Nancy Rowena O'Dell

LANCASTER - With deep love and gratitude, we remember Nancy Rowena O'Dell, age 63, born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts to Navy veteran, Gordon J. O’Dell and Jacqueline A. O’Dell (Norton), who passed away after a courageous fight. Nancy was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kind heart, enduring strength, and radiant spirit touched all who knew her. Nancy passed at the age of 63, in Lancaster, Massachusetts, after a courageous fight marked by grace and unwavering spirit.

Nancy lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her family. Following her cancer diagnosis in 2016 and a stroke in 2021, she continued to meet each day with remarkable strength, courage, and a stubborn spirit that could not be dimmed. Her family was the center of her world, and her love for them was unwavering.

Throughout her life, Nancy was known for spicy sense of humor, quick wit, her love for a good time and unapologetic personality. She never met a stranger for long; her friendliness drew people in, and her warmth made them feel at home. Whether offering a laugh, a listening ear, or a bit of her unmistakable wit, Nancy left people better than she found them.

She was survived by her daughter Keryn Shack and significant other Anthony Marino of Lancaster and daughter Amy Shack and fiancé George Leurini of Ashland, her six loving grandchildren: Amilia McNiff, Anthony McNiff, Giovanni Leurini, Gianna Marino, Olivia Marino, and Isabella Marino. She also leaves brothers, Stephen O'Dell, Kevin O'Dell, and Michael O'Dell, and her sisters, Karen Malcolm (O’Dell), Melissa O'Dell, and Alicia Surette (O’Dell), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. To all who loved her, Nancy was a bright and beautiful presence—strong, funny and fiercely devoted to whatever she set her mind to.

In honor of Nancy’s Irish heritage, may this blessing carry her memory gently forward:

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back, 
May the sun shine warm upon your face, 
And until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Memorial Donations:

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the GoFundMe set up for her final expenses.