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Bernice McDowell Dodds - Class of 1941

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 24/Jan/2016
75.174.193.23

    Bernice McDowell Davies Dodds, passed peacefully from this life Saturday January 23, 2016 in Basking Ridge, NJ. "Bernie" was born on October 29, 1923 in Newburgh, New York where she grew up. After graduating from Virginia Intermont College she met the love of her life and father of her four children, Bob Davies. Bernice and Bob lived in several towns in central New Jersey before settling in Westfield in 1957. She was involved in numerous civic and recreational groups as well as being a long term member of Echo Lake Country Club. She was a loving and supportive mother to her active four children, and a good friend to many with whom she golfed, bowled, played bridge, traveled and generally had barrels of fun. In the early 1970's Bernie and Bob moved to Durban, South Africa on assignment with Chicago Bridge and Iron. Tragically just before their return to the States in 1976, Bob was killed in an automobile accident. Bernie returned to Westfield and later married Ted Klein an old friend she had known from Echo Lake for many years. Sadly, Ted passed away from cancer. After some time she renewed her friendship with Bill Dodds another old friend from Echo Lake and they were eventually married. They spent many happy years together in Westfield, Jay Peak, VT and at their condo at Mariner Sands in Stuart, Florida. She and Bill spent their twilight years at Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge, NJ. Bernice is survived by her four children: Dwight Davies and his wife Jennifer of Richmond Hill, GA. Pat Davies and his wife Sharon of Avon, CT, Jeff Davies of Ponte Vedra, FL and Jody Ketcham of Fayson Lakes, NJ. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren Devin, Drew, Rob, Kim and Bryce and was predeceased by her beloved granddaughter Casey Ketcham. Bernie also had 6 great grandchildren ; Bob, Kelley, Hannah, Katie, Sarah and Drew. Bernie's family would like to offer a special thanks to the staff at Fellowship Village which took wonderful care of her, especially Jean and Mike. A gathering for friends and family will take place ( days and times to be announced) at Gray's Funeral Home in Westfield, followed by a burial service at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield. Donations in Bernice's memory can be made to the Westfield Booster Club. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.grayfuneralhomes.com

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