MaryJane Dodds

MaryJane (Jackson) Dodds, of St. Petersburg, Florida passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025 at the age of 87.

MaryJane was born on October 15, 1937, in Burlington, Vermont to Kenneth and Elizabeth(Samson) Jackson. She graduated from Milton High School in Milton, Vermont in 1955 and earned an Associate Degree from Becker Junior College in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1957.

MaryJane married Perry (Tim) Dodds in 1957. They were blessed with 3 daughters: Lora, Tamora and Audrey.

She worked as a medical secretary for The University of Vermont for many years and, after moving to Florida, at Mediscribe in St. Petersburg.

Her love for family genealogy led her to join the Mayflower Society, where she proudly proved her direct lineage from passenger Samuel Fuller. She was a member and active volunteer of the First Unity Church of St. Petersburg.

MaryJane enjoyed homemaking, gardening, traveling and spending time with her dear friends and neighbors in both Vermont and Florida. Some of her adventures took her to Europe, India and Africa along with several excursions around the United States. Volunteering for Save Our Strays cat rescue brought her much joy in her later years.

She will always be remembered for "doing things her way". Being fiercely independent was her way of life! She was fortunate to have had a very devoted friend, Donald O. Giles, in her life for many years.

MaryJane is survived by her daughters: Lora (Lorrie) Benoit (husband Kenneth) Hermes of Galt, California and Audrey Dodds Fitzsimmons of Dayton, Nevada. Grandchildren: Dustin Benoit, Amanda Benoit (husband Paul) Angel, Gary (wife Kathryn) Pidgeon Jr. and Jackson, Ryan and Trey Fitzsimmons. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, sisters Virginia and Faith and daughter Tamora (Tammy) Pidgeon of Fletcher, Vermont.

A memorial service will be held in Milton, Vermont at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Empath Suncoast Hospice of St. Petersburg, Florida.