In Memory of Bonnie Odiorne, Associate of Wisdom

Bonnie Irwin Odiorne, born May 23, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland, passed away after a life marked by faith, scholarship, service, and extraordinary perseverance. Bonnie died peacefully on January 2, 2026, at Riverglen Health Center with her loving husband at her side. Bonnie was the beloved daughter of George Irwin and Helen Irwin, and the devoted wife of Reverend Dr. Raymond Odiorne, to whom she was married for 32 years. Bonnie and Ray met while in college, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love, intellectual curiosity, faith, and shared service to others.

Despite being born blind, Bonnie achieved remarkable accomplishments throughout her life. She earned her doctorate from Johns Hopkins University and went on to pursue a distinguished academic career. She was a professor who taught French at the University of California, Berkeley, and later served on staff and taught at Post University, where she inspired students through her passion for language, learning, and perseverance.

Bonnie was deeply devoted to her church and community. She was an active member of the choir at First Congregational Church in Waterbury and later at Wolcott Congregational Church, where her love of music and worship continued. She was also a member of the Associates of the Daughters of Wisdom and served as a past president of the Naugatuck Valley Project, a community organization dedicated to assisting with the administration of affordable housing for low-income residents.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband, Reverend Dr. Raymond Odiorne; her stepdaughters, Cynthia "Thia" Zuk and her spouse, Tanya Zuk of Texas, and Katheryn "Kate" Royka and her spouse, Jared Royka of Arizona; her cherished grandchildren, Ethan Royka and Elizaveta Royka; and her siblings, Barry Irwin, Brad Irwin, and Brenda Smith. She was predeceased by her parents.
This obituary was originally published on Legacy.com by Prospect Memorial Funeral & Cremation Services/The Palmerie Family Funeral on Jan. 3, 2026.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 4, at First Congregational Church, West Main Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. Burial was in the family plot in Merrimac, Massachusetts. Memorial donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Bonnie's memory. To plant a tree in memory of Bonnie I. (Irwin) Odiorne, please visit the Sympathy Store.

This Saturday, May 23, Bonnie would have been celebrating a birthday. This day can be a profound day of love, grief, and memories for family and friends. You are invited to share your love and support with all those holding Bonnie close in their hearts this week by posting a short note or favorite memory in Bonnie’s guest book at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/bonnie-odiorne-obituary?id=60442425&utm_source=copiedlink&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=obitshare