Dorothy Dzura Hodgkin

Dorothy Dzura Hodgkin left her Pittsburgh home at 22 for Washington D.C. With this leap of faith, she created a vibrant and impactful life. It was the DC area where she met her husband of 59 years, Wesley, at a bus stop on Connecticut Avenue, spent 30 years as a civil servant with the National Institutes of Health, and raised a daughter, Cindy. Despite moving to Washington, she retained her love of Pittsburgh, and her first-generation parents' home country, even continuing to speak some Czech until her passing on June 23rd, 2024.

Dorothy was a trailblazer professionally. At her retirement, less than 20% of positions at her GS level were held by women. She was awarded the Department of Health and Human Services ‘Administrator’s Special Citation’, one of the highest honors given by the agency.

Dorothy was a stellar convener of friends and family, with her house often serving as a gathering place for holidays and other occasions, from her grandchildren’s engagement parties to birthday parties for her great-grandchildren. She also cultivated a beautiful garden of azaleas and peonies.

She is survived by her two grandchildren, Hannah and Christian, as well as a host of other individuals she’s touched throughout her 98 years of life. A memorial service will be held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in McLean, VA on Saturday, August 3rd at 2 p.m. A party to celebrate her life will be held at her home in Falls Church afterward. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choosing with the mission to help those in need and forgotten.