Odishoo, Margaret
Margaret Odishoo, 91, passed away August 23, 2023 in Raleigh, NC surrounded by her family. She was born May 2,1932 in New Britain, CT to Sarkis and Veronica (Gooreghian) Gashgorian. She attended local schools and graduated from New Britain High School in 1950. In 1957 she married the love of her life, Howard Odishoo, Sr. They settled in Kensington, CT where they raised their two sons, Howie and Matt. She had a deep love for her children and was known to open her house to all of their friends. She started the tradition of dining out for breakfast, her favorite meal, with her sons and carried this on throughout her life. She lived at the family residence until 2017 when she relocated to Raleigh, NC to be closer to her family.
Marge had a passion for travel and spent many years exploring the world with her husband as well as with family and friends. Her favorite vacation was with Howard to Israel. She also enjoyed her frequent visits to Aruba and Las Vegas with him and continued these trips after his passing in 2001. She owned and operated Five Star Travel in New Britain, CT for many years. She enjoyed helping people plan their getaways immensely. Marge was a special person and had a zest for life. She was described as spunky, outspoken, and a hoot. But, most of all she was kind and loved her family and friends.
She thought of NC as her second home and made it very clear that she did not miss the winters in CT. She was very active and lived independently at the Atria where she forged many new friendships. She loved the staff and felt very cared for by them and had a special place in her heart for Nicole. Marge was an avid card player and never missed a chance to play whether it be cribbage, rummy, or poker with the guys. She was even known to shoot a game of pool. Her apartment at the Atria was perfectly located between the beauty salon and the bingo parlor, her two favorite places. She was even known to cancel an appointment so as not to miss a bingo game and was quite lucky when it came to winning.
Marge cherished her six grandchildren. She loved living close to them and spending time with them whether it be playing Chinese rummy, going out for breakfast, or shopping with her granddaughters. She especially loved spending a few days with the whole family in the NC mountains and was a force to be reckoned with at the game of cornhole. Her legacy will be in all the memories made with her and the funny stories about her that her family can find comfort in.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Howard Odishoo, Sr.; her sister, Rose Kaplan; and her brother Michael Gashgorian, Sr. She is survived by her sons Howard Odishoo, Jr. (Kimberly) of Raleigh, NC and Matthew Odishoo (Lori) of Punta Gorda, FL as well as her six grandchildren: Zachary Howard Odishoo, Samuel Howard Odishoo, Ashley Margaret Odishoo, Jacob Howard Odishoo, Emily Rachel Odishoo and Joshua Howard Odishoo, all of Raleigh, NC. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Lawrence and Judy Odishoo of Berlin, CT and her sister-in-law Sandra Gashgorian of Cromwell CT as well as many nieces and nephews.
She always wanted the honor of being a great-grandmother and that wish was fulfilled with the birth of her great-grandson, Kash Howard Odishoo three weeks prior to her death.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 30 from 5-7PM at Kenney-luddy Funeral Home, 205 S Main St., New Britain, CT. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 31 at 10AM at South Church, 90 Main Street, New Britain, CT followed by interment at Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley St., New Britain,ct.
Donations may be made in Margaret's memory to the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department, 1657 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin, CT 06037.