Hanover, NH – Some called her mother, some called her sister, all called her special.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Melissa (Missie) Barrett Dodds on November 6, 2025, at the age of 61. She was surrounded by her devoted husband and loving family. Melissa was born on July 8th, 1964, in Hanover, NH, to Charles and Laura Barrett.
Melissa spent 39 years married to the love of her life, Richard Dodds. Together, they had three dedicated sons, Trevor, Patrick, and Alexander Dodds. In 2023, she became “Nona” to her adored grandson, Thomás.
If you were lucky enough to know Missie, you know of her effortless gift for bringing friends, family, and community together by making everyone feel genuinely loved. She touched the lives of many with her profound warmth, generosity, and uncanny sense of humor. Melissa kept a special spot in her office, the “therapy chair”, where she would regularly welcome coworkers and friends to share their lives with her. Her intelligence and strength made her a shining example of what it means to be a wonderful mother, wife, sister, and friend.
After graduating from Lebanon High School in 1982 as a diligent student and captain of the field hockey and track teams, Melissa entered the business world. She dedicated 36 years of her career to Lyme Road Dental as the practice manager. With her heart full of empathy, she shaped the practice into a true family. Today, every computer monitor in the practice has a sticky note that reads, “WWMD?” – “What would Missie do?”.
When not at work, she could be found at every hockey rink in the greater New England area. Whether it be attending one of her son’s games or watching Richard coach, she was always present to cheer them on enthusiastically. She also found great joy in loving and caring for the many golden retrievers who kept her company over the years. Missie loved the sun and the sand, country concerts (Kenny Chesney, anyone?!), supporting any and all local causes, long fast walks, testing out new baking recipes, and reading a good book with Richard. She started every day with her coffee and the sunrise and ended every day with an “I love you”.
Melissa was always quick to extend a hand when someone else needed a little extra love. A friend wrote, “Missie was such a wonderful person and special friend. She guided me through my cancer journey. She taught me how to handle having cancer with grace and strength”.
She’ll be lovingly remembered by her husband, Richard; her sons and their partners, Trevor (Stephanie), Patrick (Tati), and Alexander (Ella); her grandson Thomás; her siblings Pam, Patricia, Chris, and Laurie; and, if you know the Dodds and Barrett families, MANY many more family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A celebration of life will be held on November 15th at 1:00 pm. Please see the memorial website for more information: www.everloved.com/life-of/melissa-dodds/
An on-line guestbook can be found at rand-wilson.com
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