Odegaard, Joyce (nee Hart)
After a life filled with love and learning, Evelyn Joyce Hart Odegaard (1929-2011) died Saturday, March 5th at Brantford General Hospital, Palliative Unit.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Odegaard and husband Bruce Bagg, son Gordon, granddaughters Colleen and Regan Bagg. Also survived by her husband Gord. She also leaves her brother Ron Hart (Patricia) of Brantford and sister Marilou Smith (Wayne) of London. Predeceased by her parents Jack and Evelyn Hart and sister Jean.

She was a well-loved aunt to her nieces and nephews – as loving to them as to her own children.

Always a passionate advocate for children with learning disabilities, she worked with a local chapter of the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities in Brant County along with her friend Marilyn Sylvester. They brought speakers to Brantford to educate parents, teachers and school board superintendents and trustees about the latest research in the field of LD. She and Gord supported many parents by providing information, contacts and comfort as they endeavoured to help their children with learning disabilities navigate through school when very little was known about LD.

Her love of learning was an inspiration to all of us. She attended classes at McMaster University and Laurier Brantford. She was an avid reader and used her computer for research into spiritual teachings until the end of her life.

In her youth, she loved playing baseball and was quite a tomboy. She was a member of the Paris Curling Club and the Paris Ladies Bowling League. Camping trips with family and friends were a highlight of many summers. She kept fit by swimming daily at the Wayne Gretzky Centre pool.

She was a fun-loving “Mimi” to her granddaughters. Together they read, hiked, mini-golfed, swam, sang, laughed, and learned from each other. She followed their pursuits in music and theatre avidly. They will always treasure the time they had with her.

Her loving son Gordon helped her with personal care for the last years of her life. His devotion to her was a reflection of her love.

A Celebration of Joyce's life will be held at Wm. Kipp Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 15 at 11 a.m. Rev. Louise Rutledge will conduct the service.

Donations in Joyce's name to a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Evelyn "Hart" Odegaard, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.