Kris Dodson
Kris (Allison) Dodson was born a true Libra on October 3, 1952. She grew up in Winchester, in a house that miraculously held her parents, her grandparents, her five brothers and sisters, sometimes cousins and friends, and more love than anyone could have imagined. She graduated from Winchester High School in 1970, already inspired towards service to humanity and political action–by that time an anti-war protester, a volunteer at the Fernald School, and with a social conscience that would power her through the rest of her life.
She attended both UMass, Boston and Antioch New England, and spent much of her early career working at the Fernald School in Waltham. From there, she moved on to administrative positions at the Metropolitan State Hospital, and helped to oversee substantial reforms at both institutions. Through her work, she touched the lives of countless individuals, and felt honored and blessed to have been able to improve their lives. She also oversaw the transition away from institutions for the mentally ill and disabled, and eventually herself transitioned to the private service providers Delta Projects and Advocates.
She later became a foster parent, and opened her home to many children at some of the most difficult times in their short lives. She was a loving mother to so many children, whether they were with her for a matter of days, years, or for the rest of their lives. She truly expanded and enhanced the meaning of the word family, and showed every day how love cannot ever be hindered, nor its depths plumbed.
Throughout this joyous life, it was her deep faith and search for the esoteric wisdom and secrets of this world that sustained Kris, and inspired her every action and decision. To Kris, the world was and is an opportunity to learn and for the soul to grow. She strove daily to make the lessons of her soul manifest in the world, and to be a teacher and leader to every soul she touched.
Kris is survived by so many who loved and honored her, and who are blessed to have been touched by her spirit, and inspired by her example. Dear and devoted mother of Erika Dodson and her partner Rob Kempton of Lynn; Kylie Dodson and her partner George Martineau of Peabody; Jasmine T Dodson of Northbridge; TJ Dodson and Max Dodson of Burlington; Loving grandmother of Robbie Kempton and Grace Martineau; dear sister of Lauri Dawkins of Kissimmee, FL; Cindy and George Boudreaux of Boynton Beach, FL; Richard and Marcia Allison of Maynard; Jane and Rob Rassmann of Chelmsford; Peter Allison of Winchester. Loving friend and kindred spirit to Terrell Walker of Brighton. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her memorial service at the First Baptist Church in Winchester on Saturday, February 25, at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers contributions to Kris’ memory to Till Inc., www.tillinc.org/
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Peace
Kristina Martha Allison. Kristie. Kris Dodson. Mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter. Sister, cousin, niece aunt. Guardian. Friend, mentor, teacher. Spiritual guide. Kindred Spirit. Soul mate.
So many meaningful roles in so many of our lives. There’s a big Kris sized hole in our hearts, yes- but when we’re still and we open up the ears of our inner being- she’s there. Where she always was.
Great friend, sister, colleague, mentor, confidante and partner in crime! Even though our paths diverged, Kris was often in my thoughts and memories of a very important time in my life. My deepest condolences to her daughters Erika and Kylie, sisters Jane and Cindy and her extended family members.
Kristi had a generous, warm, open & proud way of being in the world when last I knew her ! We were students at Winchester High School in the late 60’s, about to launch into the world. I have intense & fond, memories of the way she was then. Nice to know she maintained that admirable spirit & put it to work during her life! Not an easy path!
My condolences to her family & all who are grieving her loss!
So sorry to learn of her death. Many years without contact but many years of vivid memories of her spirited way of living her life and her most remarkable generosity. A passionate and capable advocate.