Bessie Dodier

Bessie G. Dodier, 87, passed away in Laredo, Texas on Thursday, July 31, 2014. A lifelong resident of Laredo, Bessie attended St. Peter's School and, in 1944, graduated from Martin High School. She also attended Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas and was a member of the president's staff at Laredo Junior College. After marrying her beloved husband Emilio Dodier, Jr. on July 17, 1948, Bessie went on to become a much loved wife and mother and a cherished member of her community. Throughout her life, Bessie was an avid and expert bridge player. She won numerous championships in club and tournament play with her many talented partners, most often her dear cousin the late Anita P. Macdonald, and her good friend Ellen B. Young. At different points in her life, Bessie participated in a number of local clubs and organizations, including the Society of Martha Washington, the Los Amigos Duplicate Bridge Club, the Blessed Sacrament Altar Society, and the Women's City Club. She also enjoyed her travels around the world, reading a good book or seeing a fine movie, and attending plays, concerts and other arts events. Bessie will be remembered as an exceptionally kind and gracious lady who treasured her immediate and extended family and her many dear friends. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her well. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Emilio; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Dodier; parents, Mr. & Mrs. David O. Gallagher; sisters, Aurora G. (Maurice M.) Alexander and Margarita Gallagher; brothers, James N. (Alice C.) Gallagher, Bernardo I. Gallagher, Thomas (Lamar K.) Gallagher, and David O. (Nancy) Gallagher, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Gloria B. Gallagher. Bessie is survived by her loving children, David E. (Anna J.) Dodier, Edward A. Dodier, and Emilie Dodier, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2014 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez. A Rosary will commence at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be conducted on Monday morning, August 4, 2014, departing at 8 a.m. from Joe Jackson Heights to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 8:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the family plot in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Bessie's family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to her wonderful caregivers Coty, Rosy, and Mague. You are invited to sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956) 722-0001.