Doris V. YERGEAU

SOUTHWICK - Doris V. (Yergeau) Odato, 78, of College Highway was called safely home on December 20, 2005 at Governors Center in Westfield after a brief illness. She was a longtime resident on Cheyenne Road in Springfield before moving to Southwick. She was born in Chicopee, September 2, 1927 the daughter of the late Louis and Flora (Denoncourt) Yergeau. Doris was educated in Chicopee Schools and graduated in 1945 from Cathedral High School. She was employed as a data processor for Mass Mutual and retired in 1992 after many years of service. Prior to that, Doris was employed at the former H.R. Huntting Company as a computer programmer. In her early years she was employed with her husband at Indian Motorcycle in Springfield. She enjoyed knitting, Bingo and she was active at the Southwick Senior Center. She loved her annual trips with her family during the summer. She married, Joseph Odato, August 23, 1947 in Assumption Church in Chicopee and the couple celebrated over 50 years together. Joseph later died January 1, 2002. Doris is survived by her daughter and best friend, Doreen Garde and spouse Alan of Southwick. She also will be missed by her her sister, Anita Walsh of Pennsylvania. Doris will be remembered for her devotion to her daughter and being the best mother in law. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 9 a.m. at Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway with a Liturgy of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Lake Church. The Rites of Committal will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. If friends desire, memorial donations in her name, may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 1308 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446. Doris's family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Published in The Republican on 12/22/2005.