Jane Dodson Martin
September 9, 1954 – August 4, 2024
Jane Dodson Martin died in her home after a years-long struggle with cancer. She was a therapist to many, inside and outside of her professional practice. Jane was a no-bullshit advice giver who would keep it real, but never make anyone feel judged. She loved spending long days until the sun went down in her garden. She could reliably be found weeding in a large sun hat, headphones blasting, singing her favorite music.
She was a self-described introvert but loved spending time with family and seeing her beloved grandchildren. Her refuge from the world was Lake Okoboji. She took many trips there throughout her youth and passed on a love of the lake to her kids and grandkids.
Jane was a passionate advocate for her therapy clients and always spoke her mind about politics and what she felt was right.
Jane received her B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1977. For the next five years she worked for the Nebraska Department of Social Services as a Caseworker. In 1984, she received her M.S. in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. This would be the beginning of her nearly forty-year career as a psychotherapist.
With Central Counseling Associates she helped facilitate crucial group therapy work for youth and adults. She had a hunger to learn and was continually deepening her knowledge and skill throughout her career. Despite resistance from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and private insurance companies, Jane never stopped seeing clients who could no longer pay or had lost their insurance.
Jane’s infectious laugh and her warm presence will be greatly missed. Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Marilyn “Mickey” Dodson; sister, Kate Sommer. Jane is survived by her children: Alexander Martin (Annie), Marianne Martin, Samuel Martin (Emily), and Harrison Martin; siblings: Tancy Ellis (Rick), Clare Shanahan (Terry), Samuel Dodson (Bethany), and Jim Dodson (Mako); brother-in-law, Leonard Sommer; two grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Sunday, August 18th, 2pm at West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Road Omaha, NE 68124.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: ACLU of Nebraska – aclunebraska.org or Nebraska Appleseed – neappleseed.org
To view a live Broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “LiveCast” button at the top of home page.
14 Comments
My sincere condolences. As a therapist, she gave me some wonderful advice and I respected her for all she gave to her clients, May she rest in peace.
I think I speak for all my Langdon siblings. So sorry to lose one of the Pine St. kids too soon. All you Dodsons siblings are in our thoughts and have our prayers.
Jane has been there for me many times, listening to me and giving me caring and practical advice that truly helped me become a more self-sufficient person. I have seen her unending love for her children, my friends Alexander, Sam, and Harrison, who introduced me to her all those years ago.
Jane has inspired me with her kindness and unabashed authenticity. She showed me how to be soft yet boundaried simultaneously. Her influence undoubtedly has touched so many and continues to reverberate throughout the world infinitely.
Thank you, Jane, for being you and gracing us with your presence.
My heart is with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.
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Mt sincere sympathy to Jane’s immediate family and sending a lotta’ love to my Dodson cousins.
My condolences to all of the Dodsons and our “common” cousins in the Hoch clan. RIP
Very fond memories of Omaha, my friendship with Tancy, and joyful visits to the noisy Dodson home. It is where I was first introduced to the amazing soul music of Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye. Truly a gift that keeps on giving. Deep sympathy and condolences to the Dodson family on the loss of your remarkable sister Jane.
Susan and I have special memories of the Dotson family. All of the very special children and a very special mother. Please accept our condolences on the death of your sister.
I hate to imagine the kind of man that I would have been if she never came into my life to help me keep my wits about me. Her candor was second to none and always on point. She was truly a beautiful soul. My deepest condolences.
I had the great pleasure of having Jane’s desk abut mine at the Nebraska Department of Social Service from 1979-1983. Jane was always a joy, and an incredibly empathic, empowering case worker for her clients. Thinking of Jane always brings a smile. My sincere condolences to her family and close friends.
My deepest condolences to the Dodson Family for the loss of your beloved sister, Jane. She was a dear friend to many, who knew her in her younger years. Our families were close back in the Mercy days and beyond. Many fond memories are imbedded in our hearts forever! We share in your sorrow. May God comfort you during this difficult time and praying Our Heavenly Father has her in His arms. May she rest in peace. With deepest sympathy, Marguerite Kirby
I loved her so much. Her garden, her brain, and her family. I send you and all her family the most love and light. She was a great mother and friend.
Wonderful person raised in a family full of love. Glad to have been invited in.
My husband received counseling for many years with Jane and helped him understand why he carried a terrible burden he had up to 15 years if his life, My husband also passed on August 4th, 2024, She was a honest wonderful lady that pulled no strings but she helped him live a normal wonderful life. Go with the Angels Jane and rest in Peace
I’m so sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. The Dodson family is fondly remembered. Eternal rest grant unto Jane and let perpetual light shine upon her.
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