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Dodie's Story
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Dodie was a time traveler --- 1907 to 1996 ---- Almost 90 years. She
rode in Model T cars then in turbo charged cars, flew on prop planes then
on jets, rode on trains, monorails, rickshaws and cable cars,
saw gas lights turn to incandescent lighting, telegrams transform to
E-mail, letters that took weeks to deliver and cost only 2 to overnight
mail -- now at a higher rate. Born under President "Teddy" Roosevelt's
term she lived to see 16 more presidents take office.
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Dodie graduated from
college; she worked as a designer of neon signs, then she married. Her
husband Bill, was transferred to Mexico, she followed with their two small
children. She learned a new language. Long after returning to the
USA, her mother took her on a whirlwind trip around the world. And
throughout her life, she traveled to many exotic ports of call. In her
adventurous life she rode real horses, real elephants, real camels, and
musical merry-go-rounds.
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She loved to swim and even skied - mostly on her
back side. We knew her as a seasoned traveler, always willing to go on
another trip. There was never a moments hesitation when you asked her to
go some place new. She always said "yes!" We knew Dodie as a dear
friend and companion. Her friends felt she was part of their family. We
knew her as the matriarch of our family. We experienced her love, wisdom,
wit and relished her compliments. She was so proud of her children and
grandchildren's accomplishments, as we were of hers.
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She had a rich
life and lived it elegantly. As a young child her mother dressed her if
fine clothes with big bows in her hair. Being well dressed and
appropriately dressed was important to her. Even as time changed, she
traded her dresses and high heels for leggings, tunics and sport shoes;
she wore them with style and elegance. Putting a smile on our face, and
another fond memory in our heart. Dodie was always ready with a joke
or quip that brought a smile to the listener's face. She loved reading a
good mystery books and saucy novels. She loved games of Rummycube with the
girls at the condo. |
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At a time when most people would be thinking about
settling down, she was just getting started. She loved to travel with me,
and looked forward to new cities, visiting with good friends, and above all
doing something that she loved. Leaving a legacy of fine artwork, by
having created masterpieces with threads on canvas, which made tiny rugs
to fill small homes, and an accomplished author of two books on needlepunch
rug making, she delighted in sharing her art skills with others.
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She
was always a lady, commanded good manners and good English. Rich with
family history, she shared her stories and knowledge with those who would
lend an ear. She was very thankful she had so many years to spend with
family and friends. Her only regret was that her body could not keep up
with what her mind wanted. Never wanting to be a burden to anyone, she
trotted along like a trooper, hardly complaining about any ailments. Dodie
strived to stay healthy, eating her "green stuff", and her weekly trek to
Taco Bell. We celebrate a most wonderful life. Eighty-nine beautiful
years filled with great adventures, passionate love for family and friends.
We can only measure our loss against the great joys and blessings she gave
each of us. She is our special angel now residing in heaven. You will
know her when you see her. She is the little angel with the white
leggings, tunic, and gold shoes. This is not the time to stop the
laughter or to be sad. The end is really only a beginning.
Eulogy written by: Dawn Emerson (grandaughter) and read at the memorial service by:
Valerie Rogers (daughter)
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