Dorothy Atwell Pinder

1929 - 2025

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dorothy Mae Atwell Pinder, who left us peacefully at the age of 96 on December 12, 2025, surrounded by family at her home in Kennedyville.

Born on May 3, 1929, to the late Oliver W. Atwell and Nellie S. Jones Dorothy was the 5th of seven children. She and her siblings were lifelong residents of Kent County Frances Money (Albert), Virginia Timko (Steve), Mary Hill (Julian), Clifton Atwell (Elsie), Mariose Miller (Harold) along with a young brother who died as a toddler. Dorothy graduated from Chestertown High School and married the love of her life Philip Pinder in 1948. The couple worked as dairy farmers until 1970 when together they founded Pinder Service Company, Surge, and Patz Dairy Equipment Install & Service which provided electric, plumbing, and HVAC services. After retiring she devoted time doting on her grandchildren and showering her great-grandchildren with endless affection while continuing to be a vital support to the family business. Enjoyment for her consisted of endless chats with her siblings, word search, Christian Sermons, and Molly B Polka. As the family matriarch, she was the bridge that kept everyone connected faithfully sharing news, stories, and milestones, and linking generations through her love and steady presence. She most loved cooking delicious meals for the family gatherings and wished everyday was a holiday in order to just be present with her family. Her home was always a haven of comfort, love, and joy, where family gathered to share meals, laughter, and the little moments that made life so special. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a dedication to her family that will never be forgotten.

Along with her parents and siblings Mrs. Pinder was preceded in death by her husband Philip Pinder, son Wayne Pinder, and son in law Larry Coleman. She is survived by her daughter Barbara Coleman, son Gary Pinder and wife Renita, and daughter in law Melinda Pinder, her grandchildren Barbie Glenn (Greg), Deke Coleman (Pepi), Kira Thrift (Mike), Corey Pinder (Courtney) Melanie Hickman (Scott), Jason Pinder (Kelly), and her twelve great-grandchildren Riley Glenn, Addie Thrift, Nolan Thrift, Grayson Pinder, Emmy Pinder, Brynn Pinder, Hunter Coleman, Conner Newsome, Gunner Hickman, Ella Pinder, Noah Pinder, Eliza Pinder, along with many nieces and nephews who will carry on her legacy of love, humor, and devotion. Her family takes solace in knowing that her spirit will live on in the memories she created, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared so generously. Though we will miss her deeply, we are grateful for the incredible 96 years we were fortunate to share with her. Her legacy of love, laughter, and family will live on forever.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday December 21 @ 1 pm in Shrewsbury Cemetery, Kennedyville, Md.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Compass Hospice, 160 Coursevall Rd Centreville, MD 21617, Kennedyville VFC 11993 Kennedyville RD Kennedyville MD 21645, or Kennedyville Methodist Church PO Box 32 Kennedyville, MD 21645 in honor of Mrs. Pinder's lifelong spirit of giving and her love for helping others.

Arrangements by Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech.