Elizabeth Dodds
Elizabeth “Betty” Dodds passed away peacefully on Friday October 17, 2025 surrounded by her loving caregivers.
She was born on May 4, 1927 in Seoul, Korea. She was the daughter of the late Walter A . and Ina S. Dodds, who were missionaries in Shanghai, China at the time. Sister to the late Josiah B. Dodds.
Miss Dodds attended elementary school in Gary, Indiana, and Laramie, Wyoming before graduating from Ithaca High School, The College of Wooster in Ohio with a BA, Cornell University with a MA., and the East – West Center at the University of Hawaii with a graduate teaching certificate.
Miss Dodds was a social studies teacher at Woodstock School in India (1950–53), Shenendehowa Central School (1954-57), and Glens Falls High School (1957-1991). She was a member of the New York State Council for the Social Studies and served in many offices, including President for this professional organization. Throughout New York State she organized many curriculum building workshops. She was also a member of the National Council for the Social Studies. It was through this national organization that she was invited to come to Glens Falls to help direct the project called the Improving of the Teaching of World Affairs.
Some of her community involvement included such organizations as The Capital Friends of Crandall Public Library, The World Awareness Children’s Museum, The Hyde Collection, Glens Falls Operetta club, (now the Glens Falls Community Theater), The Lake George Opera, The Glens Falls Club of College Women, NAACP, Adirondack Camera Club, The Upper Hudson Valley Watercolor Society, The Glens Falls Area League of Women Voters, and the YMCA. She was an avid swimmer and world traveler, which included leading groups of students for the Experiment in International Living. Every continent was visited and much of what she learned in living and traveling abroad she used in the classroom and for talks in the community. For Glens Falls High School students she started AFS, a student international living experience.
Survivors include her nieces Ann Dodds, Margaret Dodds and nephew, Walter Dodds and his children. Josiah L. Dodds and Hannah Wirta.
Betty had a wonderful group of women who cared for her 24/7 over the last few years and loved her very much. She became family to all of them. She will truly be missed.
A memorial service will be held at Regan Denny Stafford funeral home on 53 Quaker Road on Thursday, October 23 2025 from 12 PM to 1 PM with service following and burial at Pineview Cemetery following service.
Online condolences can be made at sbfuneralhome.com