Obituary of IleneLillian Dodge

With family at her side, Ilene, in her 89th year, passed on to her final rest on July 31, 2010. Born in Metcalfe Township May 25, 1922, Ilene was the youngest child of Leo and Maggie Mae (Warren) Winter. She was the beloved wife for 41 years of Lorne Dodge (1914-1990). Lovingly remembered by her stepchildren Marie (Lloyd Shea) and Robert Dodge; her children Barbara (Denniss Westgate) and Bill Dodge (Ruth); grandchildren Melanie Shea (Pete Van Kessel), Dan Shea (Gabriela), Shannon (Jon), Jeremy, Jennifer and Joshua Westgate and Tamara Dodge; great grandchildren Tylor (Robyn), Diamond (Derek), Colin and Kelsey Van Kessel; Patrick and Jack Medd. Survived by sister-in-law, Jean Dodge. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Marguerite (1907-1943), George Pettit; Clifford (1909-1975), Dorothy; Anna Mae (1911-1976), Charlie Lightfoot; Cecil (1912-1993); Irvin (1914-1980), Ida; Stewart (1917-1995); Gertrude (1918-1987), Melv Clothier; Howard (1919-2006), Hazel, all predeceased. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children, in whom Ilene always took an active interest. Predeceased by all of her siblings, Ilene became the family matriarch, playing her role superbly to the end. Ilene will be sadly missed by the Strathroy and surrounding communities that knew her for her love of playing cards, entertaining, and visits to the sick and elderly. She was actively involved in Kerwood Bethesda United Church, many community committees, and the Irene Rebecca Lodge. Family will receive friends at Denning Bros. Funeral Home, Metcalfe St, Strathroy for visitation on Aug. 3, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. where a celebration of life, officiated by Thelma Perry, will take place on Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Strathroy Cemetery and a reception at Kerwood Bethesda United Church. Donations may be made to Kerwood Bethesda United Church, the Kidney Foundation or the charity of your choice. Her Journey's Just Begun Don't think of her as gone away Her journey's just begun Life holds so many parts The earth is only one Just think of her as resting From the sorrows and the tears In a place of warmth and comfort Where there are no days and years Think of her how she must be wishing That we could know today How nothing but our sadness Can really pass away And think of her as living In the heart of those she touched For nothing is ever lost And she was loved so very much