Sr. Frances O'Dell, OSF

Born:Rae Elizabeth O’Dell

Died:June 5, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY

Daughter of:Raymond and Elizabeth (Deyo) O’Dell

Sister Frances O’Dell entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on September 8, 1965, was received into the Congregation on July 2, 1966, and professed her final religious vows on September 8, 1973. Committed to the Franciscan Mission and Charism for over 60 years, Sister Frances shared her life, gifts and talents within the community and beyond with all whom she came in contact.

Due to her father’s employment as a Federal Park Ranger, Frances moved to several locations; therefore, she attended many elementary schools. Her last six years of junior/senior high school were in Homestead, Fla. where she graduated from South Dade Sr. High School in 1965. It was here in Homestead that she met the Allegany Franciscans when she attended Religious Education classes. Upon entering the Franciscan Sisters, she pursued a BS in Elementary Education with a minor in History from St. Bonaventure University. In 1978, she was awarded an MA in Sacred Science, also from St. Bonaventure University.

For over 20 years, Sister’s main ministry was in the field of elementary education both in the USA and Jamaica. In 1993, she redirected her gifts and talents as a certified reference librarian at Barry College in Miami, Fla.

In 2016, Sr. Frances was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY, where she has enjoyed the company of her Sisters and shared her deep love for nature with them. She was a true follower of St. Francis!

Sister Frances is predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Elizabeth O’Dell. She is survived by a brother, Steven and his wife, Denise.

A Wake Service will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel of St Elizabeth Motherhouse. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 East State Street, Olean, NY 14760.