Odessa Sanchez Garica "Odie"

Odessa Sanchez Garica "Odie" age 71 of Hammond, Indiana passed away on August 10th, 2025.

Odie was born on August 28th, 1953, in Cotulla Texas to Armando Sanchez and Maria Olga Sanchez. Odessa moved from Cotulla, Texas to Indiana in the 1970's where she met the love of her life George Garcia Sr. and had four children and settled down to raise her family in Hammond.

George was the primary bread winner and Odie was a proud homemaker for many years, the two loved their family. When George was laid off from work Odie went to work while George stayed home and tended to the needs of the family, George & Odie were truly partners and devoted to their children.

Odie was a great cook. She was fun loving, outgoing and a faithful wife for 55 years. She loved to read, loved her sweets and loved to play practical jokes, she was witty and loads of fun. She was loving and caring and a grandma to everyone, she was the life of the party. Odie and George loved the Lord and faithfully served Him together at their church.

Odessa was part of the Rainbow Coalition in the 1980's and involved with greater Hammond community services, helping the needy. She was an advocate for civil rights on the local level and highlights her accomplishments with working with the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. She had a big heart for those less fortunate and unapologetically stood in opposition to corruption.

Odessa was proceeded in death by her Grampa Jose Lopez "Pa Joe" & grandma Lucy Garza "Ma Luz", Her grandparents were like parents to her, very involved in raising and nurturing her. She was also proceeded in death by her father Armando Sanchez, mother Olga Sanchez, brother Landi Sanchez, brother Arthur Sanchez.

Odie leaves behind great memories and life lessons. She is survived by her husband George Garcia Sr. of Hammond, IN. Children George Garcia Jr. of Hammond, Tina (Jose) Burgos of Crown Point, IN, Rachel (Enrique) Gomez of Schererville, IN, Juan (Mary) Garcia of Hammond, IN.

Odessa had six grandchildren: George Anthony Garcia, Kristyana Michelle Murray, Andrew Miguel Garcia, Nicholas Alexander Garcia, Natalie Marie Burgos, Vanessa Tatiana Gomez.

She has 3 great grandchildren: Aubrey Amor Garcia, Tristan Alexander Murray & Lilliana Nevaeh Garcia, and 2 more on the way.

Odie was the glue of the family, she was blessed and was a blessing to many, anyone who knew her, loved her and she will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be at Bocken funeral home 7042 Kennedy Ave on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 3:00pm – 7:00pm. Funeral service on Saturday August 16, 2025, Directly at New Creation Ministry 9738 Fifth St Highland, IN 46322. Public viewing 11:30am to 12:00, followed by service at noon, Rev. Jose Burgos officiating. Private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family would be appreciated and can be made by Zelle to secretary.ncm@gmail.com; for additional information regarding arrangements please contact Bocken Funeral Home (219)844-1600 or www.bockenfunerals.com.