Mary Constance Odom-Soper

Constance Odom Soper, 78, died on April 9, 2020, after a long and courageous struggle with COPD. She had retired in 2008 with her sister, Joan Odom Davis, to the home in Bourne built by their great-great-grandfather in 1832.

Connie was born on December 27, 1941, in Syracuse, New York, to Rev. Warren and Helen Bourne Odom. She graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1959 and from Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas, in 1963. Baker University was the alma mater of her father, uncle, grandmother and grandfather Odom. She also completed graduate courses in history at University of Missouri Kansas City.

She retired in 2008 from the Missouri Department of Family Services where she was a social worker for several years. Previously, she had worked for Jackson County Historical Society as an archivist, and at the Harry S Truman Historic Site as a National Park ranger.

While living in Missouri, she was an active member of Liberty United Methodist Church where she was a member of the worship committee and of her beloved chancel choir. She was leader of Cub Scout and Brownie troops in Liberty when her children were younger.

Connie immersed herself in the living history of Civil War Re-enactment and was a member of the Ladies Union Aid Society associated with the 10th Missouri Volunteers, Holmes Brigade.

When she retired to Bourne, she became an active member of Bourne United Methodist Church, serving as worship chairman, choir member, and vice president of the Bourne United Methodist Women. She sang with the Woods Hole Cantata Consort for several summers. She was a member of Bourne Historical Society, Bourne Society for Historic Preservation, and supported Bourne Conservation Trust to whom her family donated 22 acres known as the Bourne Sisters Woodland.

Connie had a great love of nature, was a passionate flower gardener, a joyous singer and lover of music. She had a deep faith, which sustained her.

Connie was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She leaves her three sons: Gregory Soper of Key West, Florida; Douglas (Margaret) Soper of Kansas City, Missouri; and Jonathan Soper of Gladstone, Missouri. She also leaves three grandchildren: Kirra Pappert (Charles), William Soper (Jordan) and Morgan Soper; as well as three great grandchildren: John, Grace and William Pappert; her sister, Joan Odom Davis; and two nephews, Andrew and Jeremy Davis.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Bourne United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Oakland Grove Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bourne United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3037, Bourne, MA 02532; Bourne Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 203, Cataumet, MA 02534, or Martha Lafite Natire Conservatory, 407 N. La Frenz Rd., Liberty, Mo. 64068