Dorothy "Dottie" Pauline Koziol

Dottie departed this life on February 2, 2022, with her three loving children by her side. Dorothy was born in Hazleton, PA, to Michael and Mary Slebodnick of Crystal Ridge. Dorothy graduated from Hazle Township High School in Hazleton, PA. She was employed for many years as an administrative assistant in various healthcare settings in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Dottie was a skilled seamstress, quilter and craftsperson. She ran her own craft business for many years, designing beautiful silk and dried floral creations. Having a compassionate, self-less nature, Dottie donated countless hours of her time and talents to a multitude of non-profit agencies.

Dorothy is survived by her brother Joseph and sister-in-law Irene Slebodnick of Drums, PA; her daughter Diane and son-in-law Roger Scoffone of St. Augustine, FL; her son James and daughter-in-law Susan Koziol of Spokane, WA; her daughter Frances Hampel of Ponte Vedra, FL; her grandchildren Jason and Rachel Koziol of Spokane, WA; Jeremy and Joanna Koziol of Spokane, WA; Heather and Alex Ma of Pittsford, NY; Matthew and Chelsea Scoffone of Atlanta, GA; and Allison and Joshua Loeza of Ladeira Ranch, CA; three great-grandchildren: Sebastian and Lydia Ma, and Eliana Scoffone , and one great-grandpuppy Luna.

These words of Saint Francis sum up Dorothy’s philosophy of life: “Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received…but only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.” Dottie was a strong role model, with a kind and gentle demeanor that touched so many lives. A dynamo of activity, she enjoyed reading, playing board games, and doing puzzles to keep her mind sharp. Her relationships with both residents and staff members at Westminster Woods were precious to her in the 8 years she spent there. Her greatest joy came from visits and phone conversations with her great-grandson Sebastian, and viewing photos and videos of her two great-grandaughters Eliana Theresa and Lydia Theresa. Dorothy’s love of her faith, and her strong devotion especially to St. Theresa, the Little Flower, were an inspiration to many. We take comfort in knowing that “the only scars in Heaven are on the hands that hold you now.”

In keeping with Dottie’s wishes, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a request for a memorial Mass or a donation be made in her memory. Mass requests can be made at any number of Catholic religious organizations (such as the Society of the Little Flower at www.littleflower.org), or by contacting the office of a Catholic Church such as Dottie’s parish, San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church in St. John’s, FLA. Alternatively, a donation to honor Dottie’s memory may be made to Westminster Communities Foundation, 25 State Road 13, Jacksonville, FLA 32559. (Please write on the memo line: Benevolent Fund – WWJC). On-line gifts may be made at https//www.westminstercommunitiesfl.org/make-a-gift

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 11:00 AM in San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church. 1718 SR-13 Saint Johns, FL 32259.

In accordance with Dottie’s request of keeping things simple and safe, no reception will be held following the funeral Mass.

Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. (904) 288-0025.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Koziol family.