Odette Boccard Ireland

Odette Josephine Boccard was born on September 11, 1922 in Villeurbanne, France, a suburb of Lyon.  Having lost both of her parents just four months apart, she came to America in 1951 as a governess for the family of a French Naval Commander and his wife.  She arrived via a ten day transatlantic crossing on the final voyage of the French Line's SS De Grasse ocean liner, traveling in first class.  She cared for their three children for three years, and then took her first American job as a secretary at the French Embassy in Washington DC, where she would later meet her husband of 53 years, Richard James Ireland.

Odette's three life wishes came true, which were to be married, to have children, and to have grandchildren.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her.  Always leading by example, Odette lived a very Christ-centered life.  She modeled love, tolerance, loyalty, kindness, generosity, selflessness, and putting others first.  She had a huge heart, loved everyone genuinely, and never had a bad word to say.  She was a wonderful homemaker, staying home when her children were young, always being present, and supporting them in their interests.  Growing up in Europe, she had a strong background rich in history and the cultural arts, and raised her children to be well rounded, exposing them to music, art, theater, and ballet. 

During her life of accomplishments, Odette was very involved with the Episcopal church.  She served on the Altar Guild, volunteered at the church's Bargain Box resale store, and made several needlepoint coverings for the church pew kneelers for her parish at St Mark's Episcopal Church in Southborough, MA, where she was a member for 35 years.  She also volunteered at the local food pantry in Southborough.  She was awarded the Diamond achievement pin from Filene's, Inc. in Natick, MA during a devoted career in retail sales.  She loved the art of toll painting, making many, many beautiful designs on wood and metal pieces.  She also enjoyed gardening and took a lot of pride in her gardens.  And she loved to unwind, attending the Boston Ballet year after year with a close knit group of 3 other friends.

Odette is survived by her daughters, Anne Ireland Brisbois, Isabelle Germaine Ireland, and Elayne Stanton Ireland, and by her grandchildren, Rebecca Josephine Umstead and Michael James Stuart Umstead.

Odette is preceded in death by her husband, Richard James Ireland and her son, Stuart James Ireland. 

There will be a calling hour at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 30th, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 1 N Market St., Johnstown, NY followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am.  A private graveside service and burial will take place after the service, for the immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Odette can be made to the National Down Syndrome Society at 

https://give.ndss.org/give/60261/#!/donation/checkout

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