In Loving Memory of 

Odette Melendez David

April 10, 1945 - January 17, 2017

Odette M. David, 71, of Oxnard, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of January 17, 2017 in the comfort of home with her loving and devoted husband, four sons, and sister, who flew from the Philippines to be by her side. Odette M. David was born April 10, 1945 in Bangued Abra, Philippines. The first child of Severo and Cresencia Melendez followed by seven siblings Ofelia, Orlando (deceased), Evelyn, Junior, Mario, Cora, and Joey.

As a young lady, Odette was an outgoing social person who enjoyed the company of her dance troupe friends. She performed traditional Filipino Folk dances for events and also taught Hula to dignitaries in the Philippines. She was known to have a fashion forward sense of style and enjoyed making her own clothing. Her charisma and charm attracted a young Jesse T. David. They met at the age of 16, but parted ways for years. Odette attended the University of the East in Manila and Jesse joined the U.S. Navy, but kept in touch by phone and love letters. It wasn’t until seven years later that they reunited and were finally married in Quezon City, Philippines in 1970. It was to be a long marriage that would be admired by many of our family and friends as they held true to their vows “in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer”. Their very modest beginnings as a young U.S. Navy Man and Wife, allowed them to start their new lives together in the United States and eventually settling in Ventura County. When Odette was a young mother to only Eric and Daryl, she was diagnosed with liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer that doctors were convinced would end her life in 2 months. After 20 plus surgeries and what was new medicine then, but standard cancer treatment now that was developed at UCLA, Odette managed to beat cancer. She attributed her survival to her supporting husband, the support of her family and friends as well as her strong willed faith in God and a special pilgrimage to the miracle spring waters of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. Many considered her survival miraculous in its own right. After overcoming this challenge, Jesse Jr. and Frederick were born.

Odette’s education and professional background in finance was put to good use while working at the ARC of Ventura County for over 25 years. During this time, Odette overcame challenges in the workplace, raised four young boys while her husband was overseas and was able to make smart property investments further proving her financial acumen. At the age of 59, she retired but was then  diagnosed with early onset of dementia and eventually Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately her loving and devoted husband Jesse, further proved his love and devotion by taking care of her for the remainder of her life. Odette traveled the world on more pilgrimages, went on family trips, and lived the rest of her life in her little castle with all the comforts of love and happiness surrounding her. 

She was also known as Lola Odette, Mama Odette, Auntie, Manang, Ate, Mama, Ma-ko and love-love. Odette was admired by many for her generosity, compassion, selflessness, love, energy, and devotion. She graced her loved ones with presence and happy nature. Her spirit as a fighter who never gave up and always persevered through life’s challenges will forever be instilled in our family and has made her a legend in our lineage. She will be greatly missed and never be forgotten. We love her so much. Rest in Paradise Odette!

Odette is survived by her husband of 47 years of marriage, Jesse, four sons; Eric (wife Elaine), Daryl (wife Jennifer), Junior (wife Melissa), and Frederick (fiancee April). She is also survived by eight grandchildren; Isabelle, Christine, Alex, Annelissa, Eileen, Elyse, Josephine, and Eilah.

A Visitation will be held from 4:30-8:00 p.m., Thursday, 1/26/17 in the Chapel at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated, 10:00 a.m., Friday, 1/27/2017 at St. Anthony Church in Oxnard with Interment to follow.