Laura Durant Odsen

Laura Odsen was one of the first residents to move into Saye Brooke Village in Old Saybrook when the senior housing first opened its doors.  She lived there for many years before moving to Gladeview Healthcare Center, where she passed away on June 1, 2025 at the age of 99.  She will be greatly missed by the other residents and the staff who came to know and love Laura while she was there.

Laura was born on November 21, 1925 in Essex, Connecticut.  She was the daughter of the late Carsten and Claribel (Durant) Olsen.  Her paternal grandparents were the late Martin and Hannah (Imsland) Odsen and her maternal grandparents were George and Laura (Post) Brockway.

Her grandmother was related to Thomas A. Stevens, the author of the book “Along the Waterfront at Deep River on the Connecticut”, a maritime history of the town in sailing ship days.

Laura worked for most of her career as a nurse’s aide in nursing and residential care facilities.  When Laura’s mother sustained an injury and needed assistance, Laura selflessly took care of her mother for many years.  Her mother had a large family – 3 sisters, 2 brothers and many cousins and grandchildren in the extended family – and Laura enjoyed friendships with all of them during this time and throughout her life.

Laura became a member of The Holy Advent Church when she lived in Clinton.  After she moved to Old Saybrook, she joined the Grace Episcopal Church.

She is survived by her cousins, Wayne Grabner of Deep River, Raymond Durant, III, of Gloucester, Virginia, and Susan Christoforakis, and Linda Durant, the widow of her late cousin, Raymond Durant.

A burial service will be held in Riverview Cemetery in Essex.  Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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