Diana Dodge

Sadly, Diana Dodge passed away on Friday June 6, 2025 as a result of a tragic and heartbreaking accident. Diana was born on April 6, 1932, in London England, the daughter of Muriel Sissman and Horace Dodge, Jr., and the granddaughter of Horace Dodge of the Dodge Brothers Automobile company and Anna Thomson Dodge. Diana was predeceased by her brother - David, and two half-siblings from her father's first marriage - Horace Dodge III and his sister Delphine. Diana is survived by the many children of her siblings, who truly loved her and will miss her.

Those who knew Diana, loved and respected her, regarded her as a force to be reckoned with as well as an incredibly generous, loving, and caring person, who often took in people who needed work or a place to stay. With many memories to share and energy to spare, she would tackle each day with a visit to the barn to check on her beloved horses in hopes of a new adventure. Her kindness and humorous nature will be missed. Diana's farm was her lifelong work and love.

Diana will be remembered for her incredible singular passion for horses and the equine industry, which she felt was the legacy of the women of the Dodge family. After graduating from Smith College (Massachusetts), she began work as one of the nation's first female computer programmers. As a result of having learned to ride as a child and attending the equestrian program at Smith College, Diana became a profound lover of horses. At age 35 she began her Nokomis horse farm and 58-year career as a top and nationwide breeder of horses. She named her farm to honor her grandfather, and her first champion horse (Sir Thomson) to honor her grandmother.

Diana's horses have often been successful hunter/jumper show competitors. In 2004, Diana received the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeders' Award. In 2005, she received the J. Arthur Reynolds Memorial Trophy and was also recognized as Horsewoman of the Year by the Virginia Horse Shows Association and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. Additionally, Diana received the Andrew Mongomery Award (2009) and the Amateur Sportsman Award (2010). In 2012, Sir Thomson and Diana were inducted into the Upperville Colt & Horse Show Wall of Honor. She was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame in 2013, and in 2017 to the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame, and received the Elizabeth Nelms Memorial Owner of the Year Award (2018).

It is hard to say goodbye to such an iconic woman. Her incredible life, contributions to the equestrian world, kindness, and mischievous giggle will not be forgotten.

Please join us for a celebration of her life on September 6th, 2025 at Nokomis Farm 11103 Liberty Mills Road Orange Virginia 22960 at 2 pm.