Susan O'Dell

Susan O’Dell, age 55, of Gahanna, passed away on June 4, 2022.  Susan, born in Pella, Iowa, grew up across the pond in London, England. She was known for her creativity, joy, and wit and had a way of making people feel better by just being around her. Susan was a custom dressmaker, tailor, and costume-maker with over thirty years' experience on both sides of the Atlantic. She earned a Certificate of Distinction from the London College of Fashion and following her study of tailoring, she worked for three years in London as a couture seamstress making ball gowns. Susan owned her own business designing and creating dresses along with tailoring suits for weddings and other special occasions. She was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Susan’s work could be seen locally in the productions of Ballet Met (she designed the costume of the Mouse King in The Nutcracker) and the Columbus Children’s Theater. She also worked for traveling productions; the most notable being ‘Hamilton’, as a stitcher and dresser. Susan’s creativity went beyond her passion as a tailor; she painted beautiful ‘Sky Scapes’ and made delectable and stunning baked goods. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors; she was an avid gardener, creating beautiful spaces with her love of flowers. Susan is preceded in death by her mother, Betty O’Dell. She is survived by her husband, Phil; daughter, Kitty; father, Bob (David Gleason) O’Dell; and brother, Dave (Amanda) O’Dell. She was aunt to nephew Alex O’Dell and nieces Jenny O’Dell and Julia McGannon (Adam Currier); daughter-in-law of Anita Manes (Virgil Paler); daughter-in-law of Lee (Chris) Manes; sister-in-law of Dagmar McGannon and sister-in-law of Dan (Lauri) Manes. A private Celebration of Life will be held. Arrangements with GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High St., Columbus, OH. 43207.  If you wish to leave a condolence online, please visit Susan’s tribute page at www.graumlichfuneralhome.com