Bernadette Y. (Arvin) Odum

Bernadette Y. Odum, born Sep. 14 1956, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Dec. 26th 2025. 

Bernadette, affectionally nicknamed Bernie, lived a life full of love and adventure. Born in Fort Dix, New Jersey to Harrison Arvin and Antonina Pino, her travels started early as part of an army family, moving to Germany as a child and spending her youth in Augusta, GA. She graduated with her nursing degree from Augusta College and went on to get her MBA; education and learning were lifelong passions of hers. She spent 38 years with the love of her life by her side, Jay C. Odum, who passed in 2017. They spent their early years together traveling the American south on their Harleys. They went on to have two children together, Caitlin and James, but that never slowed them down. In 1990 they relocated abroad, spending the next 20 years in the Netherlands, Spain, Mexico, and Luxembourg. In 2009 they returned to the US, settling in Wilmington, DE where Bernadette restarted her nursing career. She became a grandmother upon the birth of Tara and CJ - her love for them knew no bounds.

Her infectious laugh and generous spirit garnered her lifelong friendships across the globe. She loved the outdoors, often found hiking or spending time by the water. She enjoyed good food and good wine, and always made for the best company. 

She is survived by her children, Caitlin and James; her son-in-law, Chris; her adored grandchildren, Tara and CJ; and her siblings, Andy, Kevin, and Liz. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to ChristianaCare (http://christianacare.org/us/en/make-a-gift/donations). The team at Christiana was instrumental in helping guide her through her cancer journey. 

The family is hosting a celebration of life on Jan. 17th in Newark, DE. Please email her son James at jcaseodum@gmail.com for details.

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