Meredith Oenning-Hodgson
MEREDITH MEREDITH OENNING-HODGSON
1941-2022
Meredith died peacefully at the U of A hospital in the early morning of January 22, 2022.
Meredith was born in Denver Colorado on June 19, 1941. She lived a geographical collage in Colorado, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Pakistan, Oregon, Austria, and Germany, where she lived 32 years, earning her second MA at the University of Frankfurt. Her son, Anton, was born in Frankfurt in 1971. In 1985 she began working as a Jungian Analyst after earning her diploma at the Zürich Institute, where she later taught. In 1999 she moved to Edmonton. In April 2019 she published her book THE HISS OF HOPE, an account of her relationship with Parkinson’s Disease, diagnosed in 1997. In this book the geographical collage takes on colors of physical and psychological experiences and Meredith’s life journey becomes complete. She died suddenly on January 22 at 80 knowing that she had lived a full and awe-some life, still curious.
Many have contributed to the depth and richness of her life: Meredith’s much loved and highly regarded husband, John Hodgson; her son Anton (Alina), whom she loved and respected, and her two grandsons, Max and Jake. Her siblings James Boggs (Faye, Nancy, Jeremy) and Jacqueline West (Geoffrey, Joshua, Devorah), have been irreplaceable and impactful waypoints on her journey. She was deeply grateful for her friends Rosi Bambach, Melanie Higgins, Helga Wehmeyer, Konrad Schiedermair, Werner, Manfred, her patients and many others.
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? (Kahlil Gibran, On Death, from THE PROPHET)
I was a student of Meredith’s at the Frankfurt International School in 1969. She as one of the more influential people in my life. Although I was only 13 when we first met, she introduce me to dimensions of understanding and culture which I will always be indebted to her for. I wish there was some way if connecting with someone who knew her. It’s been over 50 years.
Today while meditating Meredith suddenly popped into my mind. I had not thought of her in years and found out today on her birthday, June 19, that she has gone from the earth.
I was in Jungian Analysis with her for 5 years in Frankfurt when she was just starting out. This time with her was invaluable for me.
I cherish her being to this day. In deep gratitude.
Ich sortiere gerade alte Bilder und über meine Recherche habe ich leider vom Tod von Meredith erfahren. Wir waren ziemlich lange sehr tief befreundet und ich durfte ihre ganze Familie kennenlernen! Ich habe sie danach immer als Mensch vermisst und ihre sehr außergewöhnlich/neutrale Haltung Menschen gegenüber bewundert. Sie hat mich geprägt und an mich geglaubt und wie sie in ihrem letzen Brief geschrieben hat, auch viel von mir gelernt. Ich hatte leider nie wieder eine vergleichbare Freundschaft. Immer zu Weihnachten denke ich an die Erbsensuppe von Manfred und diese unproblematische Zusammenkunft über viele Jahre. Eine dicke Umarmung für Anton! Die besten Grüße aus Oberursel!!!
Meredith,
We miss you. You taught us to think. You taught us well, and in multiple languages. Anton, u were the coolest kid, and our swims in that pond were th best. Dive deep, fly high, swim on…
Uncle Bry
I did not know Meredith well but she always struck me as a fountain of wisdom and caring.