Marlys "Molly" Eichhoefer

Marlys (Molly) Eichhoefer, 56, passed away on January 5, 2015. She is survived by her mother Maime, brother Bill, nephew Jonathan and nieces Elysee, Alethea, and Mara. Also, her furry children. She is preceded in death by her father Werner, brother Gerald and sister Sally. Molly was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to Florida with her family in 1972. Molly graduated from Pasco Comprehensive High School in Dade City, Florida in 1976. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration from FSU in 1980. Post-graduation Molly went on to earn designations as Certified Public Accountant, Certified Information Systems Auditor, and Certified Internal Auditor. She was also a registered parliamentarian.

Upon graduation from FSU, Molly returned to Dade City to work for Brown, Fenton, Lynch & Sledge as an accountant. In 1983, she started her 31-year public service career in Tallahassee with the Florida Department of Natural Resources. In 1985 she went to work as the Assistant Finance and Accounting Director for the Florida Department of Legal Affairs. Her 23-year tenure with the Florida Department of Transportation began in 1987 when she was hired as a contract auditor. During her time with the Department’s Office of Inspector General, Molly served as the manager of several audit units, culminating in her appointment as Internal Audit Director in 2000. In 2006, Molly Joined the Department’s Office of Information Systems as a Data Processing Manager. In 2010, Molly transferred to the Florida Department of Education and in 2014 was appointed as an Assistant Director of Information Systems.

Although she had many interests, Molly discovered her life’s passion when she got her first Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Swissy), Teddy, in 2000. Ultimately she became a well-respected breeder of HalfMoon Swissy puppies, some of whom that have gone on to win many titles. Some of her greatest pleasures were pack hiking and drafting with her beloved Swissies. She always said nothing was better than walking in the woods with your dog.

Throughout her life, Molly participated in many organizations and often held leadership positions. Those organizations include Phi Beta Lambda, the Tallahassee and Florida Federation of Business & Professional Women, Lady Seminole Fast Break Club. Tallahassee Chapter of the Institute of Inspectors General, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Southbound Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, at 1 pm. Culley’s Funeral Home 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee FL 32308. In lieu of flowers, consider sending a donation to the Southern Scholarship Foundation, 322 Stadium Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304. Donations can also be made online at southernscholarship.org. Please specify your donation to Pilot House.