Valerie Dodge

Dodge, Valerie Ann

Valerie Ann Dodge sustained great dignity and strength in her battle with cancer and It is with great sadness that we announce her passing on December 12, 2014. Her final days were marked by the tender love and care provided by her close friends, Jane McBride, Maureen Faulkner, Patricia Zakaib and her life long partner Bruce McConkey. She is predeceased by her father William “Bill” Dodge and her mother Lilly Sidonie Headmanak. Special thanks go out to Dr. Lisa Cross and the Maycourt Hospice staff who cared for Valerie so wonderfully in her final hours. Valerie retired from the Ottawa Public Library after more than 30 years of loyal service. She was an avid reader and in this respect her passion was her work. Valerie loved summers and many years were devoted to swimming canoeing, and exploring the granite cliffs and shores of the Canadian Shield landscape and the wondrous blue waters of Devil Lake. Valerie would never back down from a challenge, and with the many slopes and trails of the Gatineau Hills and the Laurentians so close at hand, she became an expert cross-country skier to stay active in the winter months. Valerie was an animal lover and over time her menagerie included both cats – personal faves were Mitsou and Huckleberry – and dogs. Huckleberry was a stray foundling from the back country roads. The stray was handed over to her” just to hold”. Well one hug sealed a bond of love between them that was very special for many years. Skunks were the only critter she never came to like and she was always fearful of surprising one marching up the wobbly trail from the car to the cottage door after dark. I waited with some trepidation for the tomato juice bath on the deck which was sure to follow such an encounter but the great day never came to pass.

Valerie was much loved and we shall never forget her smile, her laugh, her friendship. Valerie’s spirit will live forever in our hearts. We love you Valerie and you will never be forgotten. A memorial gathering in Valerie’s honour will be held in the spring 2015.

Donations in Valerie’s name may be made to the Hospice at May Court or the Ottawa Humane Society.