It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Dody Bienenstock on Jan. 9, 2024. Dody was born June 24, 1932, in South Molton, England, to Rev. Leo Sanders and Nancie Bond. Predeceased by her loving husband, Dr. John Bienenstock (2022). Loving mother to the late Jimson (Johanna), Adam (Jill) and Robin. Beloved grandmother to Bella, Elsa, Sam, Leo, Sebastiano and Oliva. Sister to Caroline. Adored aunt to Becky and Cosima. Friend to so many.
Following medical school at St. Mary's at the University of London, Dody started her career as an anesthetist. In her legend she met John over an appendix whose owner she had anaesthetized, and on which he was reluctant to operate. They married in 1961, formally launching their long, extraordinary and loving relationship.
After stints in Boston and Buffalo they settled at McMaster, the fledgling medical school that would revolutionize the way doctors learn. As their children grew, Dody's intellect and curiosity led her to a second medical life as a Psychiatrist and a committed and accomplished medical educator. She was one of the founders of the simulated patient program and a passionate advocate of problem based, self-directed learning. She served as chief of psychiatry at Hamilton Health Sciences. Her commitment to her profession and patients led Dody to become deeply involved in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. She led a governance overhaul at the CPSO, chaired the disciplinary board, and ultimately became president.
Always achingly stylish, she delighted in beauty, wordplay and ideas. She was extremely funny and sometimes painfully sharp. She acted, and sang beautifully, was an extraordinary knitter and seamstress, and a terrific cook and thrower of dinner parties.
A mentor to so many, Dody was especially impactful in helping women leaders, and aspiring leaders to advance and thrive. She had an unapologetic ability to call out bias and unfairness and inspired so many others to do the same. As a friend, she was unparalleled in her loving support and wisdom and was a gifted listener who always spoke her truth to power.
The poster person for truly successful aging, she defied and defined aging for all who knew her. With the loss of Jimson and John, Dody again showed family and friends how tragic loss shapes but need not define us.
Donations can be sent to the Toronto Western Hospital via the UHN Foundation.