Dona Marler Odell (October 31st, 1938) passed away on Sunday, September 20th, 2026. She was 87 years old.
Dona was born in Cincinnati, OH to mother, Kathryn, and Father, George Hamburger III, with a fierce curiosity she kept burning until the end. She lived out her final years with a determined spirit; continuing to nurture relationships new and old, active in her neighborhood community, learning, reading, and expanding her mind, even traveling to Andalusia, Spain at 86, to tour the multi-cultural art and architecture.
From the US South, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia, PA, to Paris, to realizing her dream of visiting Kenya, to Greece, and beyond, for Dona, life was full of learning, adventure, and always a good story. On her visit to the Sistine Chapel, she snuck out of line and tucked herself into a corner on the floor to really take in the whole experience. She loved to say she'd rather ask for forgiveness than permission, and so she lived her life. Always sure to tell you what she thought and first to ask a question, her inquiring mind led to many chapters in life. Horseback riding, piano, continuing studies from The Barnes Foundation to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, scuba-diving certified, performing Japanese taiko with a Kumi-Daiko ensemble, even indoor sky-diving for her 80th; Dona's personal pursuits were many, and far more impressive than she would attest.
Active in the fight for civil liberties, she Marched on Washington, and protested the Vietnam War with young children by her side. Passionate in the biology lab, and, as an inspired science teacher to so many, at Temple University, Penn Charter, and Chestnut Hill Academy. She served Project HOME of Philadelphia, and in later years, the front desk at the Ambler, YMCA. The ripples of her impact are continuing and great.
Life was not without its hardships and heartaches, which she considered with the same perspective of storied adventure; life is to be experienced after all. With a ferocious appetite for reading, jazz and classical music, the arts and culture, current events and the natural world; she leaves us with a legacy of invigorated knowledge, the passionate pursuit of our greatest curiosities, and honoring humanity and nature in all its seasons.
If you miss the trees changing colors, then you are living life too fast. Follow your heart, dessert is better before dinner, and there is always time for a good cocktail.
Dona is survived by her children, Pam Meier and Tim Marler; grandchildren, Sam Guzzie and Cody Guzzie; great-grandson, Bowen; beloved dog Prada, aka Poopy; brother George "Bubba" Hamburger; loving friends, neighbors, and extended family, who collectively grieve her loss. She is pre-deceased by husband Jimi Odell and sister Dale Reddick.
There will be a small family service in mid-November and a larger celebration of life in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fortaleza Health and Fitness Educational Center. This non-profit is designed to work with people like Dona for balance, strength, and functional independence, who have exhausted insurance, or have no insurance. Sessions are completely free for them.
Checks can be mailed to:
133 West Hunting Park Ave,
Philadelphia, PA 19140
