Mary Dodge

On Sunday March 30, 2014, at Carleton Place Hospital in Carleton Place at age 86. Beloved wife of the late Arthur Dodge. Loving mother of Susan Dodge, Peter Dodge (Sue) and the late Barbara Lock (Tony). Proud grandmother of Matthew (Katie), Sam (Nicole), Hilary (Scott), Heather and Stephen; also survived by great grandson Gareth. Predeceased by sisters Gwen Quinton (Hugh),Barbara Cluskey, and parents Charles Cluskey and Gwen (Bickle) Cluskey.

Mary was born on June 8, 1927, in Toronto. Not long afterwards, the family moved to London where Mary grew up in a loving household, enjoying outings with her many friends and beginning to nurture her interest in art. While working for London Life and playing tennis throughout the summers, she met Arthur Dodge who was attending the University of Western Ontario. They were married in 1950 and moved to Markham, Ontario, to raise their family. Mary had a devoted and very spirited approach to motherhood. Her children enjoyed a creative, adventurous childhood where imagination and innovation were encouraged. Meanwhile, she joined the Willowdale Group of Artists and developed her oil painting skills. In 1964, when the family moved to Ottawa, Mary took up downhill skiing in her mid-thirties, a sport which became a passion. She was also an avid and highly proficient golfer, loved outdoor life and the family cottage. Through the years, Mary's skill as an artist developed to the point that she had regular shows at the Chelsea Gallery in Old Chelsea, Quebec. She sold many hundreds of her paintings, and her work now resides in homes as far away as Washington, DC, and the UK. Aside from all these talents, Mary will be most remembered for her wonderful sense of style, and her ability to listen and empathize; she was a treasured friend to many over the years.

The family would like to thank Valerie Ford, who helped Mary over the last five years and became a good friend. Private services will be held for Mary at a later date, and burial will take place alongside Arthur in the Dodge family plot in Hamilton, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Gallery of Canada would be appreciated.