Gayle Cecilia Dodds, 87, passed away peacefully at the Jack Byrne Center on July 26, 2026. Born on June 10, 1939 in Cincinnati, OH, she was the daughter of Charles and Ruth (Kramer) Sittason.

Gayle was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack, who passed away in 2019. She is survived by her children Ryan Dorn (Beth) of Malibu, CA, John (Patti) of Etna, Tom (Bonnie) of Hanover and Richard (the late Missie Dodds) of Hanover. She is also survived by her brother Bill Sittason of Florence, KY. Among her greatest pleasures was connecting with her 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Gayle attended Ursuline Academy in Cincinnati where she earned a scholarship to the nursing program at Good Samaritan Hospital. While working as a nurse at Good Sam she attended night school to obtain a certificate in healthcare management. After marrying her first husband they moved to Philadelphia where Gayle worked at Temple and then Einstein Medical Center where she became director of the operating room. In 1981 she was recruited to Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover to become director of the operating room. It was there that she met a surgeon, Jack Dodds, at a time when they each were looking to rebuild their lives. They were wed in 1983 and lived on Saddle Run Road in Etna before moving to Eastpoint, Fl in 1992. They returned to the Upper Valley in 2018 to be closer to family.

Gayle had a life-long passion for animals and while retired in Florida she volunteered at the Franklin County Humane Society (and to Jack’s feigned displeasure brought many creatures’ home). She also was a board member (and Chair of the board) at Weems Memorial Hospital in Apalachicola, FL. Among her greatest passions were Gayle’s two Morgan horses: Mac and King. She particularly liked riding around the Upper Valley, including trails that she and Jack cleared around their home on Saddle Run Road in Etna. Gayle moved to Harvest Hill in Lebanon two years ago where she cherished the community and the many friendships that she developed. Not surprisingly, while at Harvest Hill she joined the Residents Association Council which she Chaired.

The family is planning for private remembrances. Donations may be made in Gayle’s honor to the Upper Valley Humane Society (PO Box 789, Lebanon, NH 03766).