Obituary of Gilda Marie Dodge

Gilda "Jill" Dodge was born in Sulmona, Italy and immigrated to the U.S. at 6yrs old, fleeing World War II. She entered elementary school, barely speaking a word of English, but quickly mastered the language and even managed to skip a grade. She graduated with honors, from SUNY Oneonta, and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Phi sorority. Soon after college, Gilda married her high school sweetheart, Bob, and they had a wonderful life together. She was an Elementary school teacher and was instrumental in creating the English as a Second Language program for the UE School district. She was also a special education instructor for BOCES in Apalachin and a girl scout leader. Gilda was an avid golfer, a great cook, a master gardener, and she never met a bowl of gnocchi she didn't like. But what she loved most was her family. Fun and creative, honest and opinionated, incredibly smart and fiercely loyal, Gilda was an amazing mother. We will miss her forever. Gilda was predeceased by her parents, Giuseppe and Elvira Lepore, her sister, Maria, and her husband, Robert Dodge. She is survived by her daughters, Dana and Andrea, and her five grandchildren, Sophia, Dodge, Remy, Ella, and Sam. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an animal rescue or shelter of your choice – something our mom would truly love