Tribute

In Loving Memory of Odette Hue Thames; May 25, 1931 – April 2, 2025; A devoted mother, loving wife, tireless activist, and woman of deep faith, Odette Hue Thames lived a life of purpose, grace, and unwavering compassion. Odette was born on May 25, 1931, in New York, the daughter of French immigrants. From a young age, she was shaped by the strength and resilience of her family. During World War II, they were active in a group called Free French in America, supporting resistance efforts from abroad. Even as a child, Odette played a vital role as a liaison between the American and French communities, bridging language and culture with grace and courage. In the 1960s, Odette became an active member of the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity (ESCRU), a key civil rights group. As the secretary for the Long Island and Manhattan areas, she organized meetings, helped plan demonstrations, and worked passionately to build a more just and inclusive world. Odette’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was deeply involved in her church community—serving on the vestry, working in the bookstore, and ushering on Sundays. Her commitment extended beyond local service through support of African ministries, where she helped foster connection and compassion across continents. Odette pursued her passion for understanding the human mind by earning a degree in Psychology. Her thirst for knowledge and her love of books stayed with her throughout her life. Odette was married twice. Her first marriage to Eugene Cochrane brought two beloved children into the world: Lance and Michelle. Later, she found love again with Sam Thames, and together they blended their families, where she became a cherished bonus mom to Stuart, Steven, and Rhonda. She was the proud grandmother of Melissa, Christopher, Michelle, and Rebecca, and the joyful great-grandmother of Courtney, Makenzie, Andrew, Lily, Graydon, Jordan, Madeline, and Katie. Travel was one of Odette’s greatest passions. She saw the world not just as a place to explore, but as a living story to understand. Whether abroad or at home, her sense of wonder never faded. When she wasn’t traveling, she was reading—always seeking, always growing. Odette’s life was a testament to compassion, courage, and conviction. She stood for justice. She nurtured community. She loved deeply and lived fully. Odette Hue Thames lived a life defined by compassion, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to others. She believed in the power of knowledge and the importance of giving back—not just in life, but in death as well. Her decision to donate her body to science was a final act of grace and generosity. It reflected her deep desire to help others and to be a part of something greater than herself. Through this donation, she continues to teach, to heal, and to inspire future generations of doctors, scientists, and caregivers. Her presence will be missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Friends & Family