R. Odette Cassis died peacefully in her sleep on November 21, 2024, at Maple Manor Christian Home in Sellersburg, Indiana. She was 99. Her wishes were to be cremated and buried alongside her mother and brother in Elkhart, Indiana. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the Spring of 2025. Odette was born on January 23, 1925, in Jerusalem, Palestine, the daughter of Argyro and Andreas Cassis. She graduated with honors from Jerusalem Girls College with a diploma in Liberal Arts. Because of the war in the Middle East, she found work with the World Health Organization in Amman, Jordan. She was a lifelong learner, with her hope of studying medicine to become a doctor. However, as a result of the ongoing conflict in Palestine her family lost everything along with her dream of becoming a doctor. Therefore, in 1957, she emigrated to the United States with her mother and brother sponsored by her sister and brother-in-law who were living in Lima, Ohio. Shortly after her arrival in the United States Odette worked for the Jordanian Delegation to the United Nations in New York City. Her multi-lingual background in Arabic, English, and French made her an asset to the Jordanian Mission. Her love of medicine prompted her to seek opportunities in the medical field. She applied to and was accepted by the Elkhart Institute of Technology, Elkhart IN, and received a degree as a medical secretary. She was offered a position in the medical practice of a local orthopedic surgeon where she worked for 15 years.  Subsequently, an opportunity presented itself for her to work at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. There she thrived, immersing herself in the cultural and artistic community of the University and becoming an operatic soprano in the A Capella Chorus. She worked for the university for several years until she was called back to Elkhart to take care of her ailing mother. Now back in Elkhart, she focused on obtaining her realtor's license and worked in real estate until she retired. Upon her retirement, she decided to continue her love of music by offering piano lessons to local students.  With her continuous love of medicine and the arts, she became a contributing member of many organizations. She volunteered at the Elkhart County Health Department and Elkhart General Hospital.  Odette was a member of the Four Arts Club, the International Club of YWCA (both in Palestine and Elkhart), the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Club, the National Association for Female Executives, the Elkhart Board of Realtors, and the Episcopal Church Women's Club. Because of her unique perspective and background having lived in Palestine, she was often asked to speak to many local groups sharing her life experiences in the Holy Land. Her faith was important to her, and Odette became involved in St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church. She provided communion to shut-ins as part of the church outreach program, was a member of the Altar Guild, and sang in the choir where she was often a soloist.  Although she lived in several parts of the world, Central and South America, Jordan, France, she was grateful for being a US citizen and took pride performing her civic duty by participating several times as a juror for the United States District Courts. Everyone who knew her recognized Odette's dedication to family was her highest priority. She always said she was grateful for the love and closeness of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Argyro and Andreas, a sister, Adla Zarzar and brother-in-law Dr. Robert Zarzar, and two brothers Elias and John Cassis. She is survived by sister-in-law Beatrice Cassis (John) and niece and nephews Pamela Cassis, Andrew (Angie) Cassis, Michael Cassis and great niece and nephew Claire and Drew Cassis. Lillian Zarzar, Robert (Bonnie) Zarzar, Kathryn Zarzar, Mary Ann (Robert) McClish, Christine Zarzar and great-nieces Dr. Lauren Zarzar (Dr. Aaron Garner), Dr. Rochelle Zarzar (Johnny Tran) and nephew R. Anthony McClish. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church of Elkhart, Indiana, or any local no-kill animal shelter.  Online condolences and additional information can be found at www.collinsfuneralhome.net.