Obituary of Elizabeth Reynolds Hodge

Elizabeth Reynolds Hodge, 94, of Syracuse New York, passed away after a long illness on January 23, 2016. Located at Loretto Nursing Home in Syracuse. Elizabeth was born in Utica New York on January 15, 1922. On January 28th, 1936 mom was presented with a diploma from the Department of Public Instruction City of Utica State of New York as having "completed the Course of Study prescribed by the Board of Education for Advanced Department and by correct Deportment and Diligence in study." She attended Kimble School, and graduated the Rome Free Academy on June 26th 1940 with a diploma from The University Of The State Of New York Education Department in Business Subjects. She also completed a bookkeeping course taught from fall of 1940 to spring of 1941 at the Utica School of Commerce. On August 30, 1943 and on March 2, 1944, she completed courses in Office Organization Supervision and Management and Industrial Psychology taught at Syracuse University through the U.S. Office of Education- Engineering, Science and Management War Training Program. During World War 2 (April 1943 to May 1947) she was civilian personnel located at the Rome Army Airfield (Later to be known as the Griffiss Air Force Base) in the Communications Department. One of the things that mom was lucky enough to see was a technology known as closed circuit television as it showed the takeoffs and landings on a monitor in her department. We have a number of mom's "Notice of Official Efficiency Ratings", and letters of commendation, all of which carry glowing recommendations of excellence and professionalism. Also a letter stating that she had been cleared for cryptographic duties which involved the encoding, decoding and handling of classified military correspondence. Mom held other positions as a stenographer, secretary and bookkeeper with the Gold Medal Packing Company (Spring 1941 to March 1943) and the J.C. Ryan Co.( May 1947 ) in Utica New York. On July 18th, 1947 Elizabeth Reynolds and John C. Hodge of Yorkville N.Y. were wed in Utica New York. One of the witnesses was Esther M. Sierson, a lifelong Hodge family friend that mom and the rest of the Hodge family still keeps very close to their hearts. A friendship so warm and genuine that it defies description. After moving to Syracuse, on May 5th, 1952 mom gave birth to Gary William Hodge and on July 31st, 1953 gave birth to Deborah Jean Hodge (Frank). Your composer, Robert John Hodge, was born in Utica NY on November 27th, 1950. In 1955 mom was hired by Bond, Schoeneck and King as a legal secretary, while the firm was in the State Tower Building, and later on was promoted to Office Services Supervisor after a successful move to One Lincoln Center. In 1983 she was awarded 2 diplomas from Onondaga Community College. One for First Line Management and the second for Computer Basics For Management. She remained with Bond, Schoeneck and King until her retirement in 1998. A 33 year career. After retirement, mom volunteered with the American Red Cross and in 2003 was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award after 5 years of service. In 2005 she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for her service during the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Until she was unable to do so due to age, she was a regular Red Cross blood donor. Mom always had a passion for all breeds of cats! I can hardly think of a time when we didn't have a cat in the Hodge House! But I think her 2 favorites -mom really had no favorites when you got down to brass tacks- were Siamese named Suki Sua. Our first cat was Hoppy. Mom enjoyed swimming, family outings, summertime family tent camping -usually at Selkirk Shores State Park- long walks in the woods, reading, good music, berry picking -usually after which we'd have blueberry pancakes the next morning- gardening, canning, cooking and trips to the NYS Fair when we were kids. Helping us get our homework done in time to go garden up in the community garden behind the Kelly Coal yards on Brighton Ave, or ice cream from Mr. Softee. Or after mom took up residence in Brighton Towers, Sunday dinner or whenever a batch of corn chowder or turkey noodle soup was ready. Or in the summer time, a crabmeat salad as only mom knew how to make, which would put to shame the same salad from the finest restaurant in the world. Sometimes she felt compelled to "apologise "for it not being "up to standards". But of course it was! Another thing I remember so vividly was mom telling me about her and dad's trip to New York City in 1947 to see "Finian's Rainbow" with the original cast. Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband Mr. John C. Hodge in 1982. Elizabeth is survived by her 3 children, Mr. Robert John Hodge, Ms. Deborah Jean Frank of Syracuse New York, Mr. Gary William Hodge of Fabius, New York, and 3 Grandchildren, Mr. Michael Maloney of Munnsville New York, and Mr. Lowell and Mr. Ryan Hodge. Mrs. Hodge has made an anatomical gift to the SUNY Upstate Medical University Gift Program. There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Please consider making a donation in lieu of flowers to the Central New York Cat Coalition at cnycatcoalition.org or Wayward Paws at waywardpaws.org