Ilona G. O’Dell, 97, of Valparaiso, Indiana, formerly of South Carolina passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Avalon Springs. She was born January 3, 1928, in Nagymaros, Hungary. She spent her youth swimming in the Danube River and picking cherries and grapes in the family vineyard. She emigrated to West Germany in the 1940’s near the end of World War II, where she met and married a U.S. serviceman which ultimately brought her to the United States. She worked as a photography assistant in Tacoma Washington before moving to Columbia, South Carolina, where she was employed at the Fort Jackson photography studio, and excelled at photo colorization. This may have been due to her artistic talents, which included oil painting and needlework of all varieties. Her sewing skills were legendary, and she always seemed to gravitate to the color blue for her clothing.
She was a traveler aficionado and visited many places including Africa, Thailand, China, Russia, Dubai, Hawaii, England, and France. She loved classical music and was always looking for a dance partner to waltz to the Blue Danube. She was an excellent cook, and her Christmas cookies were highly sought after. An avid gardener, her sunroom was filled with orchids and Christmas cacti. To say that she was independent and self-sufficient would be an understatement. Becoming a young widow in 1981 when her husband, Ralph H. O’Dell, passed away, she remained on her own in South Carolina until 2021 when health issues demanded a move to Valparaiso to be near her daughter, Cynthia O’Dell (Mark Hoyert) and grandchildren: Matthew (Hannah) Hoyert & Shelby Hoyert (fiancé- Evan Frystak).
Following cremation at Angelcrest Crematory a private family ceremony will be held with burial of her urn at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Columbia, South Carolina.
GUESTBOOK
We sat in front of Illona at Asbury for many years and enjoyed her wit and friendship. She was a lovely lady. So sorry for your loss. -Strom and Beverly Johnston
