Our shining light:Kathleen Healey-DodgeIt is with great sorrow that the Healey-Dodge family announce the passing of Kathleen Healey-Dodge neeCalnan. Born in Dublin, Ireland on September 22, 1935 and a long time resident of Yorba Linda, California, Kathleen left us peacefully on April 19, 2013 surrounded by her loving, bereft family. During her youth in Dublin, she was a talented member of the Abbey Theater, where she acted and sang on stage. As she blossomed into a young woman, she became a renowned beauty of Dublins fair city with many, many admirers. She was the second of seven children: Maureen, Sonny and Jo who reside in Ireland; Eamon in England; Sean in California and her dearest younger brother Barry, who left us several years back. Her deep love and loyalty for her siblings and her dear mother Mary and father Michael were a huge part of her being. In 1955 she met and married John Healey of County Cork, Ireland and moved to Los Angeles where they began their new life. Together they raised four amazing children: Douglas and Kevin Healey, Lisa Brasier and Linda Licari. As a young, beautiful and highly spirited mother with a truly unique sense of humor, she cherished her children above all things in her life and taught them the true meaning of adventure and fun. Sunswept summer days spent at Huntington Beach, swimming at the Hawaiian Village Club and great picnics at Hillcrest Park were part of their dreamlike childhood days. Long weekends in the mountains of Big Bear and summer holidays at Emerald Bay in Laguna Beach are just some of the special local vacation spots Kathleen spent time with her children. In their early and late teens, Kathleen brought them all to Ireland for a memorable summer, where she showed them the enchanted land of her own childhood. As her children came of age, Kathleen embarked on her second career as an entrepreneur and business woman. She successfully opened and ran the thriving business called Simply Splendid Bridal and Formal Wear. With her charm, warmth, originality and incredible insight she helped to create beautiful weddings and wonderful memories for all of the brides who had the good fortune of choosing her bridal salon. During this time, she was blessed with four beautiful grandchildren: Kathleen, Christian, Bridget and Brianne. She brought the same great joy and loving experiences to their lives that she did to her own children. As a gifted poet,she shared her love of literature and instilled a lasting legacy of pure artistry and joy that lives on through her writing. After 45 years of marriage, Kathleen was widowed. In 2004, she met and fell in love with James Dodge, whom she married in elegant splendor. They spent nine adventure filled years with great love and happiness, taking many wonderful trips to Ireland, England, Canada and New York. Through her happy marriage she gained a handsome stepson, Kirk Dodge, whom she loved as one of her own. And, through the happy marriages of her own children, Kathleen gained the undying love of her sons and daughters in law: Frank Licari, Sherri Healey, Bob Brasier (his son Ben Brasier) and Patsy Healey. Kathleens wonderful spirit, talent, charm and physical beauty are profoundly special. No words can describe the impact she has had on everyone in her life, especially her heart broken family and dear friends. She is the shining light that will never ever diminish in our hearts and minds. We miss her more than we can possibly say. A celebration of her life will begin at 2 pm Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Freedom Bible Church 121 W. Cypress Street, Anaheim, CA 92805. A reception will follow
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