M
michaelhagerty
Guest
One of Arizona's grandest ladies was called home to the arms of her Lord on Monday, January 30, 2006. AZ-TV Chairman Dodie Londen was born May 31, 1930 on a farm near Holdredge, Nebraska. She graduated from Barnes Business School in Denver, Colorado and went to work in Denver as a secretary. In 1951, she married Jack Londen and in July of 1962 they moved their family of six to Arizona.
Through her selfless service to her church, charitable organizations and the Republican Party, Dodie will be remembered a a world-class leader, mentor and friend. Dodie's political activities and accomplishments are legendary.
As the first woman ever to serve as Chairman of the Arizona Republican party, Dodie used her professional leadership, wisdom and kindness to lead the party to unprecedented prominence and national respect. Her legacy of financial stability and open door policy will serve the Republican Party for years to come. As one political reporter wrote, "She did more to unite the GOP than anyone else in decades...a tough act to follow."
She served as the Treasurer and Program Chairman for the National Federation of Republican Women and President of the Arizona Federation of Republican Women. She was active in numerous political campaigns and counted President Ronald Reagan as a close friend. With all of her political achievements, she considered being a precinct committeeman one of her most important political positions.
Dodie served as the vice chairman of the Arizona Commission on the Arts and on the board of directors of the Phoenix Symphony. She was active in the Camelback Mental Health Foundation, member of the Assistance League, Past President of the Phoenix Musical Theatre and Children's Theatre. As an active member of the Arthritis Foundation Greater Southwest Chapter she made a one million dollar contribution to establish Camp Cruz for children with juvenile arthritis.
She served as Vice-Chairman and trusted advisor to her husband Jack as they built the family-owned Londen Insurance Group. She planned the incentive trips and edited and published all the company newsletters and publications.
Dodie once said, "I believe an individual should be judged by his or her record of commitment, performance and acheivement." Even by those high standards, Dodie truly achieved greatness!
When she found time in her frenetic schedule, Dodie preferred quiet hobbies such as reading, sewing, decorating and needlepoint. She was an accomplished painter and an excellent bridge player.
Dodie is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jack Londen of Phoenix, three sons: Jack III and his wife Kathleen of San Francisco, Thomas and his wife Cheryl of Phoenix, Ronald and his wife Christine of Charlottesville, Virginia, daughter-in-law Ronda of Lakewood, California, 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Dodie is also survived by her sister Marcia Junas of Illinois and three brothers: Lee and Larry Isaacson of Nebraska and Frank Isaacson of Wisconsin. Dodie was preceded in death by one son, Larry, of Lakewood, California, and sisters Lois Masterson, Grace Price, Marge Reynolds and brother Lyle Isaacson. Family was always vital to Dodie and she showed it with love and respect for each of them.
Every person whose life was touched by Dodie will greatly miss her vibrancy, wit, energy and insightfulness. She was an inspiration to us all. She was one formidable lady.
Through her selfless service to her church, charitable organizations and the Republican Party, Dodie will be remembered a a world-class leader, mentor and friend. Dodie's political activities and accomplishments are legendary.
As the first woman ever to serve as Chairman of the Arizona Republican party, Dodie used her professional leadership, wisdom and kindness to lead the party to unprecedented prominence and national respect. Her legacy of financial stability and open door policy will serve the Republican Party for years to come. As one political reporter wrote, "She did more to unite the GOP than anyone else in decades...a tough act to follow."
She served as the Treasurer and Program Chairman for the National Federation of Republican Women and President of the Arizona Federation of Republican Women. She was active in numerous political campaigns and counted President Ronald Reagan as a close friend. With all of her political achievements, she considered being a precinct committeeman one of her most important political positions.
Dodie served as the vice chairman of the Arizona Commission on the Arts and on the board of directors of the Phoenix Symphony. She was active in the Camelback Mental Health Foundation, member of the Assistance League, Past President of the Phoenix Musical Theatre and Children's Theatre. As an active member of the Arthritis Foundation Greater Southwest Chapter she made a one million dollar contribution to establish Camp Cruz for children with juvenile arthritis.
She served as Vice-Chairman and trusted advisor to her husband Jack as they built the family-owned Londen Insurance Group. She planned the incentive trips and edited and published all the company newsletters and publications.
Dodie once said, "I believe an individual should be judged by his or her record of commitment, performance and acheivement." Even by those high standards, Dodie truly achieved greatness!
When she found time in her frenetic schedule, Dodie preferred quiet hobbies such as reading, sewing, decorating and needlepoint. She was an accomplished painter and an excellent bridge player.
Dodie is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jack Londen of Phoenix, three sons: Jack III and his wife Kathleen of San Francisco, Thomas and his wife Cheryl of Phoenix, Ronald and his wife Christine of Charlottesville, Virginia, daughter-in-law Ronda of Lakewood, California, 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Dodie is also survived by her sister Marcia Junas of Illinois and three brothers: Lee and Larry Isaacson of Nebraska and Frank Isaacson of Wisconsin. Dodie was preceded in death by one son, Larry, of Lakewood, California, and sisters Lois Masterson, Grace Price, Marge Reynolds and brother Lyle Isaacson. Family was always vital to Dodie and she showed it with love and respect for each of them.
Every person whose life was touched by Dodie will greatly miss her vibrancy, wit, energy and insightfulness. She was an inspiration to us all. She was one formidable lady.