Mary Jane Odell
Mary Jane Odell | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 28, 1923. Algona, Iowa |
| Died | December 16, 2010 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, lecturer, and politician |
| Known for | Inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame |
Mary Jane Neville Odell (July 28, 1923 – December 16, 2010) was an American journalist, lecturer, and politician. She received multiple awards during her life, and was inducted into the
Early life
Odell was born in Algona, Iowa, on July 28, 1923, to Eugene and Madge Lewis Neville. She had two brothers, Lewis and Dan.[1]
Odell married Gerald Chinn in 1946. Their son Brad was born on June 30, 1948, and a daughter Chris was born December 1949.[1][2]
Odell attended Algona High School, where she took part in mixed chorus, glee club, girls' sextet, and cheerleading.[1] She graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1941. She then attended the University of Iowa. While attending university, she was on the University Student Council, the Board of Publications, and the Currier Hall Council. Odell was also a part of Phi Beta Kappa, Zeta Phi Eta, the National Inter-American Affairs Speaking Contest, and the chorus.[1]
Career
After completing college, Odell became a broadcaster, writer, and continuity director for Des Moines radio station
After moving to Chicago, she hosted shows on
In 1980, Odell was appointed Secretary of State of Iowa.[3] She was then elected to the office in 1982, serving until 1987.[3] Odell was a Republican.[4] She received an honorary doctorate in 1982.[2] In 1988, she received a H.R. Gross Award for Lifetime Contributions to Broadcasting and Public Service.[3]
Later life
Odell became a widow in 1966 and she married John Odell in June 1967, later moving to Chicago with him, her two children, and his four children.[1]
She died on December 16, 2010, at 87 years old.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Hanft, Ethel W.; Manley, Paula J. (1980). Outstanding Iowa Women - Past and Present. River Bend Publishing. pp. 81–84.
- ^ a b c "Guide to the Mary Jane Odell papers". The University of Iowa Libraries. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
- ^ a b c d "Mary Jane Neville Odell". Iowa Department of Human Rights. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
- ^ a b "Mary Jane Odell dead at 87". Radio+Television Business Report. December 16, 2010. Retrieved December 4, 2018.