Barbara Diane DODD

1940 - 2023

Barbara Diane Dodd, aged 82, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of January 1, 2023, surrounded by her loving children. Diane was born August 15, 1940, in Kingston, to Lorne and Rhoda Hodgston (nee Phillips). She grew up in Kingston with her older brother, Bernard, and younger sister, Karen. She attended Rideau Public School and KCVI (skipping two grades), where she was a top student with a deep interest in literature. Diane attended Queen's University, beginning her studies in 1958. While at Queen's, she met her beloved husband, David, marrying in 1960. With her marriage, Diane dedicated her life to being a fantastic mother, creating a welcoming home full of love, learning and many, many pets. She was the foundation of her family for over sixty years. Diane was a quiet person who spoke loudly through the kindness, care and love exhibited in her day-to-day actions and interactions with other people. She had an enormous heart with much room to care for others and to make many lifelong friends. When you were in Diane's presence, you never felt like she had something else to do or somewhere else to go. She inspired those who knew her through her dedication to the simple Christian virtue of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Diane and David moved numerous times in the early years of their marriage, living in Toronto, Sudbury, Windsor, Lethbridge, and Kanata. During this period, despite the many calls upon her energy and efforts, Diane continued her university studies via correspondence, receiving her Bachelor of Arts from Queen's University in 1968. Once her children had reached school age, Diane embarked upon a career as a teacher. She worked for many years at the Kanata Nursery School (1975-1986), St. Peter's on the Hill Nursery School (1989-2001) and the Froebel Education Centre (2001-2005) in Mississauga, ultimately managing the Kanata and St. Peter's schools. Diane loved teaching. Her kindness and patience made her a gifted teacher and she felt blessed with 20 to 30 new children every year. In the last two years of her life, Diane met the challenge of cancer with courage, fierce determination and a forward-looking love of life. Supported by her family, her inner strength was an inspiration to everyone and allowed her to fully participate and take joy in every day. Diane was predeceased by her husband, David; and her brother, Bernard. She is survived by her sister, Karen; her loving children, Mary (Dan), Michael, Brian (Dana) and Theresa (Caleb); and her granddaughters, Claire, Leigh, Diane, Cara, Maeve and Ailish. Diane loved her children and never stopped being their mom. She loved her granddaughters and treasured every moment she could spend with them. Diane will be sorrowfully missed by her family, as well as her many friends. "You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Diane's life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023, with a Funeral Mass at St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in Port Credit and a reception to follow at the Waterside Inn. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society in Diane's memory. Condolences and memories may be emailed to tributesdiane@gmail.com.