Bonnie I. (Irwin) Odiorne

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 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.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 4, at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church, West Main Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. Burial will take place at a later date in Merrimac, Massachusetts, in the family plot.

Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and to care for Bonnie’s family throughout their grief journey.  You are invited to share your favorite memories, photos and words of comfort on Bonnie’s tribute wall on this website today and in the years to come.  Grief is a journey of days: sharing your remembrances brings lasting comfort to all who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Bonnie’s memory.

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