Barbara Dodane, a patient at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, was recently honored by the Ohio’s Hospice Nursing Honor Guard for her dedication and the compassionate care she provided to her patients throughout her nursing career.  

Dodane attended Holy Cross Central School of Nursing in Indiana and graduated in 1957. After graduation, she married her husband, moved to Dayton, and began working at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Dodane found her nursing home at St. Elizabeth and worked for 20 years as a float nurse then 20 years in the intensive care unit (ICU).  

“She just loved helping people, sometimes in their worst moments,” said Lisa Lynch, Dodane’s daughter. “She enjoyed helping people get back to their lives.” 

Lynch said her mother was honored to be recognized by the Ohio’s Hospice Nursing Honor Guard.  

“My brother and two sisters were there also, and I know it meant the world to mom to have us all there with her,” Lynch said. “There are not many professions that get honored like this, and it is just wonderful to have people thank you for your life’s work. She even got a little teary eyed. It was just wonderful!” 

Dodane’s family often heard stories of her days at work and were amazed at her ability to do the work so well. “Her four kids and husband are pretty squeamish with blood, so it was cool that she got to do this work,” Lynch said. “I appreciate her and the work she did even more after hearing these stories.”  

The Ohio’s Hospice Nursing Honor Guard recognized Dodane for her love of caring for her patients. She turned down promotion offers because she did not want to lose the chance to change lives, providing hands-on care. She was a crucial part of her team. Even the blizzard of 1978 did not stop her. A driver brought her to work so she could continue to care for patients. Dodane retired around 1997, after serving her community for 40 years as a nurse.  

“We can’t begin to imagine how many lives you touched in that time,” said Donnette Lowe, a member of the Ohio’s Hospice Nursing Honor Guard. “Thank you, Barbara, for your legacy of caring, and for all you have given to the nursing profession.” 

The ceremony included the recitation of the Florence Nightingale pledge, which is an oath taken by nurses upon graduating from nursing school, and a final call to duty in which Dodane’s name was called out three times to release her from service. She also received a lantern and a pin, recognizing her service.  

“You have served selflessly and dedicated your life to nursing,” said Penny Culhane, a member of the Ohio’s Hospice Nursing Honor Guard. “Though your tasks are complete, they are not forgotten. It is our honor to express our respect for you as a nurse and our gratitude for the care that you have given. We formally thank you, Barbara, for your service. Thank you so much for all you have given to the nursing profession.” 

Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, an affiliate of Ohio’s Hospice, is a not-for-profit hospice provider. Since 1978, it has served patients and families in the Dayton region in their homes, extended care and assisted living facilities, and the Hospice House location in Dayton. A variety of grief support services are available to the entire community through the Pathways of HopeSM Grief Counseling Center. Support and education are provided by a team of counselors and social workers, all with significant experience and expertise in assisting grieving children, adolescents and adults. Pathways of Hope was established in 2002. Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton serves more than 1,000 patients and families daily, achieving national recognition for innovative services and outstanding care.