Elizabeth Anne (Sprague) O'Dea, a devoted wife, faithful sister, loving mother, and cherished Nanni, passed away on September 18th after a long illness. It was a fight she faced with stubborn strength and a spirit that refused to quit, even when her body did. Her life was shaped by resilience, loyalty, and a deep love for her family and friends.

Born and raised in Cambridge, MA, Elizabeth grew up close with her sister Barbara, her first, truest and forever friend. They lived next door to the O'Dea family, growing up with Kevin who would become her lifelong partner. From grammar school through middle and high school, they were side by side; neighbors, classmates, and eventually sweethearts. They graduated from St. John's High School together and went to prom as a couple, beginning a bond that would carry them through decades of life's challenges and joys. Kevin was her greatest love. He was her caregiver, her quiet strength and her constant through every chapter of life.

After graduation, Elizabeth pursued a career as an operating room scrub technician in Boston working hard while Kevin pursued law school. They soon got married and built a life together, one forged through sacrifice, loyalty, and shared dreams.

When they moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for Kevin's military career, Elizabeth found pride and purpose as the President of the Ladies Club in the JAG Corps. She built friendships with families from across the country; connections she held close even as her world grew smaller with her limitations. Her loyalty to her friends was unwavering, keeping Hallmark in business one envelope at a time. She thrived on connection—never met a stranger—and often longed to be out in the world doing more, even as her body kept her from the life she imagined.

Fort Bragg was also the place where Elizabeth's greatest dream came true: becoming a mother. She and Kevin adopted their daughter, Courtney, the light of her life, and from that moment on, Elizabeth embraced motherhood with unmatched joy, and devotion. Her love for Courtney was boundless, protective and strong. She poured her heart into every moment they shared.

After returning to Massachusetts, Elizabeth and Kevin spent over 40 years in Scituate before recently relocating to Hingham. Becoming "Nanni" to Andrew, Connor, and Abbie lit up her world. She took pride in their accomplishments and found comfort in their presence. They brought her laughter, purpose, and a sense of renewal that she held onto tightly.

Even in her weakest moments, Elizabeth's faith in God never wavered. It carried her through even her darkest seasons, and she leaned on it with everything she had. That faith gave her strength when her body and mind couldn't.

Elizabeth's story is one of perseverance. She lived with challenges, but she also lived with purpose. She will be remembered for her strength, loyalty to her friends, her devotion to her faith, and her unconditional love for her family.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Judge Kevin J. O'Dea of Cambridge and her daughter Courtney E. Plaisted and Laurence of Concord, NC and their children Andrew (21), Connor(21)and Abbie(19). She is predeceased by her parents Arthur B. Sprague and Anne R. (Barry) Brunsell and her stepfather George Brunsell. Elizabeth is also survived by her sister Barbara Sullivan and the late Paul Sullivan. She was also the stepsister to the late Bradley W. Brunsell and the late Rodney C. Brunsell and his wife Barbara E. Brunsell. She is survived by many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, September 28, 2025 between the hours of 4-7pm at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home-1 Summer Street, Cohasset, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 10am said by Father Leo Shea who also married Kevin and Elizabeth at St. Anthony of Padua, Cohasset, MA Interment will be private.

The Funeral Mass will be live steamed through the church at:

www.youtube.com/c/ChristbytheSea

In lieu of flowers remembrances in Elizabeth's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/