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Gail "Cookie" Odorcich

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 27, 2026

Gail "Cookie" Odorcich, a dedicated advocate for children and a beloved member of the McKeesport/Versailles community, passed away peacefully at home on January 20^th, 2026. Cookie dedicated her career to ensuring that no child was left behind by life’s circumstances. As the Educational Coordinator for the Allegheny Homeless Children's Initiative, she was a fierce protector and mentor. Her work in homeless education has been recognized by GSA, Crisis Center North, Sojourner House, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. In 2005, her tireless work was recognized by the Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF), an honor that reflected her deep-seated belief that every child deserves a path to success regardless of their housing status. Her passion for community service did not end there. She was a volunteer at Women’s Place, helping victims of domestic violence. She served as a chairperson for the PTA, a Girl Scout Troop Leader, a leader of the Versailles Baton and Drum Corp, and countless other organizations.

Beyond her professional accolades and community service, Cookie was known for her independence, hard work and dedication to her family. She was a brilliant performer, acting in countless productions at Linden Hall and the McKeesport Little Theater. She also sang beautifully and was a member and director of various choirs in the community. Her faith was an important part of her, and she was a longtime member of the Central Highlands Methodist Church. She was an avid reader and rarely was found without a book. She cherished spending time with her family, near and far. Holidays were a special time, and a source of many warm memories. Her children and grandchildren fondly remember baking, sharing gifts and having fun… even if getting dressed up for church was less fun. She always appreciated (and perhaps encouraged) a good story or goofy joke from her late husband John and her grandchildren. She came to be known to her family and friends by many names. Her sisters called her “Cookie”. Her children called her “Mom.” And her grandchildren called her “Gogo”. She had a big impact on them all and will be missed. Cookie was the daughter of the late Eva (1987) and Howard (1973) Black, and a sister to Linda Hitchens, Fae Leber, Dawn Black. Dianne McKay, and the late Howard Black Jr. (2020), Roland Black, Sr. (2024) and Bryon Black (1990). She was married to the late John Odorcich (1998). She is survived by her two children (Jodi Pazuchanics and Jaymie Odorcich), grandchildren (Skye Pazuchanics, Starr Pazuchanics, Fawn Hanson, Colton Odorcich and Josh Odorcich), and great grandchildren (Zoey Pazuchanics, Wesley Hanson, Korben Hanson, Noah Odorcich, Jacob Odorcich, Amelia Odorcich and Mason Odorcich). A community of colleagues and friends will also remember her as the amazing woman she was.

A service celebrating her life will be held this spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Allegheny Intermediate Unit to help continue the work she championed throughout her career. Checks should be made out to the organization with a notation of “ECYEH” (for Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness). They should be mailed to AIU 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead PA 15120, with attention to Tracy Sparbanie. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Originally published January 27, 2026.

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