Kathleen Louise (Anderson) Dodd

Kathleen was born in Fort Bragg, California to Mary and Clare Anderson on a Saturday afternoon, February 22, 1936. Kathleen was to become the oldest of five children. Growing up in Northern California the family lived within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean and have many wonderful memories of combing the beaches, collecting driftwood, rocks and seashells. Abalone shells were a special favorite to find, especially small ones. The family fondly recalls the many fun and successful times surf fishing and of Daddy bringing home abalones and mussels and sharing the catch with neighbors.

Kathleen grew into a beautiful tall, slim blond and blue-eyed young lady. She graduated from Fort Bragg Union High School in 1954 and attended Santa Rosa Junior College. She was the first of the Anderson Family to join the Armed Services (Air Force). In turn, each of her siblings would follow suit - finding careers and being of service.

Kathleen became Kathy after she left home for basic training. She became a Flight Attendant, transporting servicemen and their families to various locations around the world. Originally stationed in Charleston, SC, Kathy travelled to Bermuda, North Africa, Portugal, The Azures and many other exotic destinations sending postcards back to her family on every trip. It was later after Kathy was stationed at McCord AFB that Kathy met her husband, Joe Dodd, a young flight engineer. On August 6, 1960 they married in Fort Bragg at the family parish church, Our Lady of Good Counsel. Their first home was an apartment in Steilacoom, WA overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Kathy separated from the military when she married Joe and began her career as housewife and mother, moving to San Antonio, TX when Joe was reassigned to Kelly Air Force Base. Kathy and Joe had two sons, Lance and David. Kathy spoke often of her joyful remembrances of her time with her sons especially the many times when Joe was away on deployment. Kathy recalled bike rides, the fun of having her sons on kitchen duty with their Mom, school projects, Kathy being a good listener, and Kathy giving her sons advice very often with a sage saying handed down from her Mom.

In 1997 Kathy and Joe retired to the Hill Country of Texas where Kathy became a longstanding member of her community in Vanderpool, TX. She was a member of the Utopia Arts and Crafts Club, a beloved member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was frequently seen by her neighbors taking long walks up the highway towards Lost Maples State Natural Area wearing her large brimmed white hat - always available if you pulled over to chat or just wave hello and always with her lovely smile and easy conversation.

Kathy, like her Mom, was an avid reader and a true nature lover, being able to name many of the wildflowers, birds and trees of the Texas Hill Country - often recounting their characteristics and life cycles. Her field of bluebonnets were her pride and joy which she shared generously for photos with her neighbors and friends.

Kathy passed away peacefully from this life into the arms of her maker on January 28, 2023. She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph N. Dodd, her parents, Clare and Mary Anderson, Fort Bragg, CA, brothers Johnnie Anderson, Mendocino, CA and Jerry Anderson, Spokane, WA.

Kathy is survived by son, Lance G. Dodd and grandson Brian Vincent Dodd, North Carolina, son David J. Dodd (wife Carol), granddaughters Alize and Margeaux, San Diego, CA. Sisters Mickey Boerner, Orting, WA, and Mary T. Anderson, Fort Bragg, CA., numerous wonderful nieces and nephews and their families, and many many dear friends. Kathy’s smile and laughter will be greatly missed.

Graveside services will be held on March 4, 2023 at 11am at the Vanderpool Cemetery. 

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