Odette Marie Louise Welch

95, of RANCHO CORDOVA, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, after an illness. She was born September 5, 1929, in Crozon-sur-Vauvre, a small farming town in central France, to beloved parents, Joseph Charles and Denise Germaine Durand. Odette had an indomitable and curious spirit, was a dedicated wife and mother, and a true friend to those who knew her. She was an avid reader of history, and loved to discus politics and current events. Odette was a child living in the French country-side during World War II, and many relatives including her father, went to fight. After the war, Odette became a proficient seamstress and also developed an interest in the medical field, a profession that eventually led to meeting her beloved husband. Eager to leave the farm for city life, Odette secured a sponsorship at a surgical clinic in Chateauroux, France, where she worked until 1954. Around that time, Odette met Carol Maynard Welch, a young Airman from North Carolina stationed at the U.S. Air Force Base-Chateauroux hospital as a medical technician. Odette and Carol fell in love and were married at Saint-Andre Church of Chateauroux on February 11, 1956, which marked the beginning of her life of travel and exploration. Odette had two daughters, one in 1957 and the other in 1959, while living in California. Odette became a naturalized U.S. citizen on July 1, 1960, while the family was stationed at George Air Force Base, in Victorville, California. She welcomed a son in 1970, while the family was stationed at U.S. Air Force Base-South Ruislip, outside of London, England. After moving back stateside, Odette securing her high-school equivalency in 1976, while the family was stationed at Williams Air Force Base in Mesa, Arizona. Interested in getting back into the medical field, Odette attended Mesa Community College to eventually become a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1977. After her husband’s retirement from the military, Odette moved the family to Rancho Cordova, CA in 1978, where she worked as a nurse for many years. After her formal career, Odette was proud to work as an American Red Cross Volunteer at the Mather Air Force Base hospital, where her efforts and diligence over the years were recognized. Odette was preceded in death by her younger sister Jeanne Durand, eldest daughter Caroline Hardaway and beloved husband Carol Welch. Odette will be very missed by her surviving family: children Nathalie Welch and Philip Welch (Sima Naderi); sister-in-law Janet Warren and family in North Carolina; grandchildren Kenya Green (Julian Green), Jordan Hardaway, Layla Welch and Lily Welch; and great grandchildren Sofie Green and Lucas Green. She is also survived by her cousin, Valerie Vasseur (Verdier), and other family members in her native France.