KATHLEEN DODGE

KATHLEEN (MAHANEY) DODGE - PALMETTO, Fla. - Kathleen (Mahaney) Dodge of Palmetto, Fla., formerly of Burlington, Vt., died July 3, 2014, in Bradenton, Fla., of complications from treatment for lung cancer. Kathleen was born in Rochester, N.Y., on Jan. 31, 1942, the first child of Frederick W. and Janet (Connolly) Mahaney. After the family moved to Vermont in 1957, Kathleen attended Cathedral High School, until it was replaced with Rice Memorial High School where she was Valedictorian of the first graduating class in 1959. After studying Comparative Literature at Cornell University, Kathleen went on to obtain a Master of Social Work from both McGill University and Florida State University. Kathleen spent the majority of her career as a Family and Child Therapist at the Josephine Baird Children's Center, with additional positions as a Counselor for the Blind and Visually Impaired with the State of Vermont, and an Employee Assistance Program Developer for Fletcher Allen Health Care. An inspiration to many with her energy, her love of life and her generous spirit, Kathleen developed and followed many varied interests throughout her days: sailing, skiing, gardening, fitness, the theater, extended RV and scooter trips, bridge and reading. Kathleen was a very intelligent and determined woman with a lifelong yearning to learn more. She challenged herself and those around her to expand their knowledge and ways of looking at life. Kath will be missed by all who knew her. Kathleen married Neal Dodge in 1967 and their life together was full of many great adventures and people. Her interest in genealogy brought Kath and Neal to many parts of the US, visiting 49 state capitols and numerous long-lost relatives along the way. As a volunteer Camp Host, Kath enjoyed her winters at Fort Pickens, De Soto Memorial and Bahia Honda in Florida, and Fort Pulaski in Georgia. Finding every opportunity possible, Kath spent time with family, and was always game for whatever activity was proposed, whether work or play. More recently, Kathleen's volunteer activities included leadership with the American Association of University Women and assistance to the League of Women Voters of Florida, and various theaters in southern Florida. Since early 2013, following their diagnoses with cancer, Kath and Neal had many wonderful talks in which they recognized and reaffirmed their love for each other. Neal predeceased Kath on Dec. 28, 2013. Kathleen was also predeceased by her sister, Patricia Stone, in 1999; and is survived by her stepchildren, Debra Dodge and Gregory Roy of Burlington, Vt.; siblings and their spouses, Bill and Pat Mahaney of Woodstock, Ga., and Eileen and Ed Ramos of Silver Spring, Md.; nieces, Colleen Mahaney and Keleigh Ramos; nephews, Michael Mahaney and Kevin Ramos; uncle, John Mahaney; many greatnieces, great-nephew, and cousins; as well as extended family and friends. At Kathleen's request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.