Bernadine Spezia Dodson

Bernadine Spezia Dodson passed from this life on Friday, November 13, 2015, peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family. A native of Santa Cruz, she was born April 14, 1943 to second generation Italian parents. Her mother, Nora Cimarelli was born in Davenport, and her father, John Spezia, was born in Bonny Doon. Bernadine attended Holy Cross School thru her freshman year and then transferred to SCHS graduating in 1961. She attended SJ State studying Theatre Arts for one year and then went to work for Santa Cruz County Bank. She met the love of her life, Don Dodson, when she was 16 years old at her cousin's wedding. They were married when Bernadine was 20, on November 9, 1963. Don and Bernadine celebrated their 52nd Anniversary this year, just days before she passed. Don and Bernadine spent 45 years running their commercial fishing business. While Don ran the boat, Bernadine ran the family household; simultaneously keeping the books of their business and working for 10 years as the bookkeeper at Harbor Marine at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. From 1996 to 2002, Bernadine and Don were familiar faces at the Santa Cruz, Cabrillo, and Felton Farmer's Markets, selling fish caught on their boat, the "Good News". They retired in 2003, and enjoyed spending their time traveling in their RV. Over the years, Bernadine was very involved with Holy Cross Church, having taught catechism, and leading the high school youth groups with her husband Don. She also served as a Eucharistic minister, and lay reader at mass. Bernadine was a lifelong member of Italian Catholic Federation (ICF), Santa Cruz Branch 21. Bernadine loved to garden, loved people, and loved to cook. She was an accomplished world traveler and was an amazing hostess whose happiest moments came to her when she had a house full of people to cook for. All were welcome in her home, and many fond memories will forever be cherished of her homemade ravioli, fried zucchini flowers, huge garden full of fresh vegetables, and beautiful roses and other flowers from her garden. She nurtured all. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Don Dodson; her daughters, Wendy Nolan and Victoria Dodson; her grandchildren, Natasha Johnson, Ariel Johnson, Alexandra Schroeder, and Paul Nolan. She also leaves her beloved sister, Andrea Criswell and her husband Richard, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and much loved extended family. Friends and family will pay their respects on Sunday November 22 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A vigil ceremony will begin at the chapel Sunday evening at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 23, at Holy Cross Church (126 High Street) beginning at 10:30 a.m. The committal ceremony will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Any kind acts of charity can be made in her memory to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.