Farm Owner Mary Odom Dies

Mary R. Odom, widow of George P. "Maje" Odom, died Nov. 10 after a long illness. Odom owned Marydel Farm from 1960-87, and with her husband campaigned numerous stakes winners including Orbiter, Waggley, Lachesis, and others. In 1964 Odom joined with Allaire DuPont and Anna Sasso to develop the Maryland Stallion Station. In 1965 the partnership dissolved and Mary continued the project and stood Nail, Sunrise Flight, and TV Commercial at the nursery before E.P. Taylor purchased the facility in 1968 to make a home for Northern Dancer. Odom was an avid golfer, fisherman, and gardener. She is survived by four children, two of whom are in the horse business: Van Nardiello, an equine dentist in New York, Maryland, and Florida; and horseman Drew Nardiello in Lexington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the WGA Caddie Scholarship Fund, 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, N.Y. 10523. The fund was founded by Odom's father and Willie Turnesa.