Lisa Melia Dodge

1969 - 2014

Lisa Melia Dodge June 29, 1969 - Apr 7, 2014 Lisa was born in Honolulu while her father was working there for Matson Navigation Company. Her family returned to their home in San Anselmo when she was three months old. Lisa attended Marin County Office of Education Special Education Programs from age 6 to age 22, and then a day program operated by Marin Ventures. She lived in Lifehouse residential facilities from the age of 18, most recently at Hamilton House in Novato. She passed away peacefully at the age of 44 after a short illness. Lisa loved music, especially that written and performed by Fred Rogers. She delighted in watching Mister Rogers on TV and in listening to his songs on records. She had her own special vocalization to prompt her mother to sing those songs to her. A picture of Mister Rogers mounted on a wooden plaque was one of her favorite things. She was extremely attached to her stuffed "Kanga" and "Roo," characters from the animated "Winnie the Pooh." She liked to have people around her. She had a wonderful smile, and she shared it generously. Lisa will be greatly missed by her mother, Dorrie Dodge, of San Anselmo, her brother Bill Dodge, sister-in-law Liz O'Brien, and nephews Tris and Anthony Dodge of Oakland, her sister Elizabeth Dodge, brother-in-law Albert Orozco, nephew Joshua and niece Melia Orozco of Redwood City and her stepmother Peg Dueringer of Mill Valley. She was preceded in death by her father, John L. Dodge. She will also be missed by all those who cared for her at her home and who worked with her at her day program. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, May 25, at 2:00 pm at Novato City Hall. Anyone planning to attend is asked to notify Dorrie at 415-457-3021 or dddorrie@earthlink.net so that directions can be provided. In lieu of flowers, donations to Lifehouse, Marin Ventures, or Hospice by the Bay are suggested.