Monica Jane Dodd, 45, passed away peacefully with her loved ones surrounding her after a courageous & valiant battle with cancer on April 1, 2023.
Monica was born on August 11, 1977 to Eddie and Sheryl Nikolas in Bremerton, Washington.
Monica was an amazing woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend. She graduated from Princess Anne High School in 1995 where she was a member of the field hockey team. She went on to Virginia Wesleyan College where she earned her teaching degree and graduated from Averett University with her Master’s degree. She taught at Fairlawn Elementary in Norfolk, where she was named Teacher of the Year. Seven years ago, she transferred to Brookwood Elementary in Virginia Beach, where she was named Reading Teacher of the Year. She remained at Brookwood until the time of her illness. Countless children benefited from being taught by her. For several years she coached Girls on the Run at Brookwood. She also participated yearly in the Shamrock Marathon at the beach along with her friends. She was an avid walker every morning before school. She was a loving mother and her two children meant everything to her. Monica was loved by everyone who knew her and will be missed deeply.
She was preceded in death by her father, Eddie Nikolas.
Left to cherish her loving memory are her husband Jeffrey “Jeff” Dodd; daughter, Ryan; son, Ethan; brother, Jason Nikolas (Kelly); mother, Sheryl Nikolas; and step-father Lynwood Hardy; special niece Brooke Nikolas; step father-in-law Robert Ring; and sister-in-law Jennifer Dodd; along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins and a host of friends that she considered family.
A celebration of Life will be held for Monica at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel (5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462) on Saturday, April 8 at 4:00pm. Condolences may be left online at www.altmeyerfh.com
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Monica’s campaigns at https://www.gofundme.com/f/
The service will be live-streamed at Altmeyerfh.com
So sorry for your loss. I never got to know Monica. I watched her Celebration of Life and through that, I heard from many people who she had touched. She must have been a fantastic, caring and thoughtful person. Find peace that she is out of pain. I am sure my cousin, Eddie, and Monica will be watching over all of you. God bless you all as you mourn your beautiful Monica.
Beautiful home going celebration for a beautiful woman inside and out. She will truly be missed and loved by all.
Veronica Streeter
Monica was my chemo buddy. She was my friend at a time when we both felt very scared and vulnerable. Monica often spoke of the tremendous support of her family and friends with tears of gratitude in her eyes. She clearly wanted nothing more than to be with her two kids, watch their baseball and gymnastics and see them grow up. She spent time, even during chemo, writing in books for them, to make sure that she could be there for them even if something this tragic were to happen. She wanted to make sure that her commitment as a mother would extend beyond her own life. She was truly committed to her family! I am so grateful for my time with her. She was the angel that I needed in this dark time in my own life. Thank you so much Monica! I love and miss you! ❤️
I am so heartbroken. I taught school with her at Fairlawn. She was always such a pleasant coworker and friend. She always had good things to say and stayed positive even when things got tough. She will be missed by many. I pray you hold on to God to help you through is impossible time.
Sheryl and Family,
We were very saddened to hear of Monica’s passing. She was a very special person who was loved, admired, and will be missed by so many who were part of her life. May your cherished memories of Monica provide you and your family with strength and comfort.
Sincerely, -Phil & Lynette
I am so sorry to hear about Monica i work with her at Fairlawn .Monica always had a beautiful spirit and smile always happy.Monica will be truely missed no more pain.We Loved her but GOD loved more.
My deepest condolences to Monica’s family. I use to work with her when she was teaching at Fairlawn Elementary School years ago. I will always remember her. May God continue to BLESS you ALL!! Sorry for your loss!! 💝
I’m so sorry for your loss . I knew Monica when she was little .prayers for the family 🙏🙏🙏
I am deeply sorry for your loss I played field hockey with her at princess Anne and graduated with her as well she will be missed greatly I haven’t spoken to her many years but I remember her always happy joking and in good spirits I’m so sorry for your loss