Sr. Francena (Mary Josephine Brigid) Dodd Obituary (1933 - 2024)

Sister Francena (Mary Josephine Brigid Dodd) died peacefully on March 14, 2024 at St. Mary-on-the-Lake surrounded by her loving community. She was born in Ireland, on January 25, 1933, to parents John and Mary (Hannick) Dodd. Her siblings included Francis, Eileen, Bernadette, Kevin, Michael, Sean, and Brendan. A native of Dublin, Francena entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in 1953 making her final profession on August 22, 1960, in Bellingham, Washington. The CSJP community became her home, a base from which she could share her gifts to serve the most vulnerable. After a few years in teaching, she earned a nursing degree and worked as a nurse and nurse supervisor at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, St. John's in Longview, and the Josephinum in Seattle. When the call came to go to the missions, she responded and spent nine and a half years in Cameroon. This was a transforming experience for her. In 1984 she moved to Longview and ministered first as a nurse and then in the spiritual care department as a chaplain at St. John's Hospital. These years were a great community experience and one where she felt at home and made many lasting friends. When she retired from PeaceHealth in 2006, Francena began to spend six months a year with our sisters in Rearsby, England. "It was quite delightful getting to know the sisters and associates," she wrote. "I loved my time there. I have been so blessed these past sixty years and so grateful to God and to each of you who have been in my life. Thanks to each of you." Francena was quite a delight herself to all who knew her, sharing her love of life and deep faith in God. We give thanks for the gift of Francena among us--her laughter, lively spirit, and deep care for God's people in need. We hold in our prayer all who loved her, her nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and her sisters-in-law. We especially hold in our hearts her dear friend Sister Anne Hayes, who has shared community with Francena these many years in Longview. Francena is now delighting in being reunited with her loving God and all her family, friends, and community members in heaven. Vigil Service will be on Thursday March 21, 2024, at 4:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is Friday, March 22, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Both services are at St. Mary-on-the-Lake, Bellevue, WA. Burial will be at 2:30 PM. at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery, Edmonds, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace Retirement Fund, PO Box 248, Bellevue, WA 98009.