January 25, 1930, to July 20, 2023
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara Joan Dodson (nee Gordon) at Spencer House in Orillia, Ontario in her 94th year. Barbe was predeceased by her husband Gordon, daughter Lynne Spence, son-in-law Don Spence, brother-in-law Ken Dodson, great-granddaughter Danica Spence, and brothers Jack and Bruce Gordon. Loving mother of Rick (Dianne Smith) and David (Terrie Tannehill). Adored nana of Mark Spence (Kathryn Duncan), Melissa (Jeff Ormesher), Cathy, Tanna and Wylie Dodson, and great-grandnana to Logan and Dylan Ormesher, and Fallon and Sloane Spence. Fondly remembered by Cindy Dodson, Nathan, Grayson, and Mason Inch and all of their families.
Born in Toronto, Barbe worked as a legal assistant before marrying in 1950. She later managed Standish Gifts at Cloverdale Mall until she and Gord retired to their cottage in Penetanguishene, Ontario.
Barbe enjoyed travel, visiting destinations in Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. She and her husband Gord and son Dave lived in Venezuela from 1973 - 1975, when Gord was General Manager of Moore Business Form’s operations there.
Above all, Barbe spent her life devoted to the care and benefit of others. Barbe lived a life of service through her extensive volunteer work in Penetanguishene. She was the president of the Friends of the Penetanguishene Museum for many years. Later she founded and acted as president of the Friends of Penetanguishene Youth, which was responsible for the creation of the skateboard park, the basketball courts and assisted in the construction of the Rotary Champlain Wendat Park splash pad and play structures. This is naming only a few of Barbe’s many accomplishments.
The family would like to thank the staff at Spencer House for their exceptional care of Barbe in the last few months of her life. Prior to her time at Spencer House, Barbe was fortunate to have wonderful care at the Georgian Bay Seniors Lodge in Penetanguishene.
There will not be a traditional service for Barbe, as per her wishes. Instead, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity benefiting your local community would be appreciated and can be made through the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia (705)325-2231.