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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Doris Hodgson

Doris Hodgson, 81, passed away at her home in Wilmington on April 25, 2020 following a prolonged illness. Born in 1938 to Riley and Venita Beachboard in Odessa, Missouri, she attended Wyandotte High School and Kansas City Junior College. She moved to Wilmington with her family in 1959 where she met H. Richard Hodgson, whom she married in 1963 and remained with until her death.  She worked as a secretary at The DuPont Company until the birth of the first of her two sons.
Doris enjoyed vacationing in Williamsburg, VA and Nantucket, and spending time at her second home in Rehoboth Beach. A devoted wife and mother who took comfort in tradition, she was happiest when at home with her family, especially during holidays. She also maintained a strong friendship with her mother, whom she saw almost daily until Mrs. Beachboard’s death in 2006.
Doris was known for her chocolate chip cookies, which she frequently baked for appreciative friends and neighbors. A dog lover, she adopted a number of rescued Boston Terriers over the years. She continually corresponded with friends and family in the Midwest and looked forward to high school reunions. She also enjoyed antiques and handcrafts and was a volunteer for the Delaware Department of Elections for over 30 years. Doris will be missed immeasurably by those who knew and loved her.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents and her niece Amanda Beachboard. She is survived by her husband, sons Richard R. (Margaret Adams) of Baltimore, MD, David (Amanda Moreau) of Bloomfield, NJ, brother Eugene Beachboard (Susan) of Wilmington, grandniece Kathryn Beachboard of Wilmington, and by her faithful Boston Terrier, Maggie.

 

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Funeral Services

A celebration of life will be held in Wilmington at a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Condolences

    James Thomen writes,
    Dick, just a note to let you know I and others are thinking about you these days. I know a little something about hat you are gping through. It isn't easy; the house is too quiet. Glad that you have two sons and their families for you to think about and and share life with. Hope to see you soon. Jim
    04/29/2020 02:31 pm
    Lois Scarborough writes,
    Doris is a former co-worker from my first job at the DuPont Company. We have stayed in touch over the years since she left work to take care of her children. Some years ago several of us from those days had gone to a service for one of our original group.. We decided then that we were going to see more of each other, not just when someone passed. After that we started having lunches every few months or so for many many years now. Always great to see Doris, always upbeat and pleasant, never a downer at any time, always nice things to say to all. She was a great person, has been thru a lot and handled it so much better than I ever could. Know she was a great wife, mother and daughter. I lost my mother last year and Doris had reassuring words to say. Last time we had lunch together she came in on crutches and said she was determined to be there with all of us. Admired that spunk. We will have another luncheon one of these days and all of us will be toasting Doris and talking about our many fond memories of her. My condolences to her family. She was a wonderful person, proud to have been a friend and will miss her presence in my life no matter if we only saw each other every few months, they were great times. Will miss you Doris.
    04/29/2020 05:34 pm
    Bill Greto, Jr. writes,
    Dear Hodgson family I am saddened to learn of the passing of Doris. I had the pleasure of working Elections with her. We worked many and I was amazed by her work ethic, her professionalism, and her generosity of spirit. She was the best!! Heaven is lucky to have you Doris!! Rest in peace. With deepest sympathy, Bill Greto, Jr.
    04/30/2020 10:36 am
    Jenny Grote lit a candle and writes,
    Doris will be missed so much, for the thoughtful person that she was (just like her Mother- my Aunt Venita). I treasure the visits my family had with her and her family over the years and remember so many special times for the past 55 years. We visited the Beachboards in Wilmington several times when my family lived in Kansas City. (My Grandmother was an older sister to Aunt Venita). My favorite memory was when she was dating Dick (must have been in the early 60's), and how my sister and I thought he was so handsome and how they made the perfect couple- a lot like our Barbie and Ken dolls! We thought Doris looked like Jacqueline Kennedy when she was all dressed up for their dates. The rest is history, after Doris and Dick got married and had two sons whose school pictures are probably still hanging in their family room, and more photos proudly displayed as they grew up and inherited the fine qualities of each of their parents. My last visit was five years ago, and still, Doris and Dick welcomed me with open arms, open hearts, and great food. Your family traditions will live on in all of us. Thank you, Doris, for the many warm and loving memories.
    04/30/2020 04:30 pm
    Lee Hone writes,
    Loosing one’s spouse is a very difficult event to accept. May you find solace by reflecting on the many years you spent together, the birth of your sons, and reliving those memories you both shared together. Dick my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons.
    05/01/2020 07:09 am
    Scott Messing lit a candle and writes,
    Thoughts and prayers go out to the Hodgson family. I have so many great memories growing up with Dave and spending so much time in your home. Your mom was the best always offering us something to eat, snacks and beverages. She greeted me with a big smile all the time. She would ask me how college life was and how my parents were doing. Always caring for others that's what I remember most. It was like having a 2nd mom for many years. Celebrate her life and blessings to you all!
    05/01/2020 03:04 pm
    Chris Dell'Olio lit a candle and writes,
    Mrs. Hodgson was one of the most genuinely warm and kind people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her demeanor was always gracious, welcoming, thoughtful and generous. She had that rare quality that made it easy to immediately feel comfortable around her, and she was a pleasure to talk with about anything. I first met her when I needed a ride home from a weekly after-school jazz band program at Mt. Pleasant High School, which I participated in with her son Dave. After that, she always gave me a ride home, every week after jazz band. Later, as I had the opportunity to get to know the Hodgson family better, I learned that she made her home a comfortable and welcoming haven to visit, and that she always had fresh baked chocolate chip cookies (the best!), and other snacks around to share, as well as a comfortable TV room where I spent many hours in my teen age years watching movies with her sons Dave and Rick. It would be an understatement to say that Mrs. Hodgson had a big heart. She had one of the biggest. Her gracious demeanor set the tone and the standard for hospitality, creating a warm and welcoming environment that grew easily out of her own kindness. I am grateful to have known this wonderful person, and I am so sorry that she is no longer with us. Thank you Mrs. Hodgson for being so kind. For the rides, the cookies, the memories, and for your friendship. You will be missed.
    05/06/2020 09:55 am
    Judie O’Donald Wilson writes,
    My condolences to the entire Hodgson family. Doris was a coworker when I went to work at DuPont in 1962 and she was very professional in all aspects of her job. Fond memories of those days when all of our “stenographic pool” girls worked hard but also had so much fun at the same time. There was nothing like it! Am proud to have been part of those times which included Doris.
    05/09/2020 01:05 pm

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