Dorothy Hutchinson

Dorothy V. Hutchinson VIRGINIA BEACH - Dorothy Virginia Hutchinson, 85, died Nov. 16, 2008, in Virginia Beach. A Portsmouth native, raised in Long Beach, Calif., returning to Portsmouth in 1940, she lived in Portsmouth, Norfolk and Virginia Beach the remainder of her life. She was the daughter of Elizabeth Crawford Sugden and Harry Marshall Crawford formerly of Portsmouth. She was church secretary at Old Donation Episcopal Church for nine years and a teacher with the Headstart Program for 20 years, teaching both in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. During World War II, she worked as a riveter at Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach, Calif., at the Naval Ammunition Depot, St. Juliens Creek (Virginia), and at National Airlines following the end of the war. She is survived by two sons, David E. Hutchinson and John C. Hutchinson; two grandchildren, Evan C. Hutchinson and Bernadette L. Hutchinson; her daughter-in-law and friend, Meredith J. Hutchinson; brother-in-law, Harry W. Riggs in Bettendorf, Iowa; and four nieces and nephews, Charles and Wayne Riggs, Barbara McKenzie and Dorothy McNamer. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Nov. 30, at 4 p.m. in Old Donation Episcopal Church, Virginia Beach, (757) 497-0563 with Father Bob Randall and Elizabeth Fellicetti officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Old Donation Church's Outreach Programs or to donor's choice. From son John: Beloved Mother and Grandmother who was each in her day, a spirited bohemian and social firebrand, open-minded and open-hearted, loving much and much loved, champion always of the oppressed, student always of the heart, supporter always for the principles of "truth and justice for all." Her light was warm, steady and bright. Her spirit loving and humble. She touched the lives of many with her nurturing and acceptance. Her mind was still inquiring to her last day. She will always be remembered by those who knew her and sorely missed. We will all be challenged to continue in her example. From son David: "Except ye be converted, and become as little children..." Matt 18:3.