April 15, 1948 – November 2, 2023 (age 75)
On Thursday, November 2nd, our beautiful wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, LuAnn Eliason Dodd, 75, passed away in Merritt Island, FL, with her devoted husband and children by her side.
LuAnn was born April 15th, 1948, in Logan, Utah to Merlin and Harriett Reese Eliason. She was the true star of the family with three older brothers whom she adored and who protected her fiercely. She attended Logan City Schools and graduated from Logan High in 1966. She married Morris Smith in 1966, later divorced. While working at Thiokol in the early 70’s she met the love of her life and true soulmate, Lawrence Dodd. They married in 1971 and she immediately inherited four young children all under the age of 12 as part of what she called her “package deal”. She and Larry spent the next 52 years together, building a life full of love, laughter, adventure, and good friends. They were always together and never shy about expressing their love for each other.
With four young children at home, LuAnn went back to school, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Weber State College and passed the CPA exam on her first attempt. She practiced as a CPA for 15+ years, forming life-long friendships along the way. She was an incredible example and role model for her children, especially her daughters.
LuAnn is survived by her husband, Lawrence Dodd of Merritt Island, FL, son Stephen Dodd of Brigham City, UT, daughter Catherine D Cardon of Ogden, UT, daughter Suzanne Pearse and favorite son-in-law Ford of Simpsonville, SC; four grandchildren whom she adored deeply and shared a deep, enduring connection with – Cammi, Ian, Mackenzie, and Jordan – three great-grandchildren, her brother Max Eliason of Salt Lake City, UT, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored and loved deeply.
She was preceded in death by her parents Merlin and Harriett Eliason, brothers Larry Eliason and Dan Eliason, and her son, Gordon Dodd.
Mom was vivacious, hilarious, irreverent, and at times inappropriate. She had a charm and wit about her that drew people to her and prided herself not on her sense of humor, but on her sense of “snide.” She was the bright, shining sun to our little universe and life will forever be a little dimmer without her in it. We are all sadly appreciative she is at peace, but heartbroken to lose our shining star – there will never be another like her. We love you, mom, and until we meet again, we will miss you dearly.
As per LuAnn’s wishes, no services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, be kind to someone, tell your loved ones how much you care, and hold them a little closer.