Mary Elizabeth Hodgeman

1930 - 2025

Mary Elizabeth Hodgeman
October 1, 2025
Mary Elizabeth "Mollie" Hodgeman passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, surrounded by her children, in Norwalk, Connecticut, at the age of 95. Born on July 25, 1930, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Mollie lived a life marked by devotion to family, excellence in all she pursued, and a deep commitment to her faith and community.
Mollie's early years in Belfast were distinguished by remarkable academic achievement. She attended grammar school and graduated from Methodist College Belfast, where she received distinction in all subjects and ranked among the top ten students in Northern Ireland in at least four disciplines.
Mollie worked for South Norwalk Savings Ban for many years, where she was known for her customer service skills. She treated every client with patience and respect-whether she was helping a senior citizen balance a checkbook or assisting one of the bank's most prominent customers.
Mollie' was an accomplished seamstress, who designed children's clothing for New Idea Yankee Tog when she first arrived in America. Her talent extended to making exquisite garments for her mother, sister, children, nieces, and nephews. Her children were known for having the most authentic Halloween costumes-each one handmade with care.
A gifted cook and baker, Mollie's kitchen was always filled with warmth and delicious aromas. Her Scottish shortbread and Irish scones were loved by family and friends.
Mollie was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Westport/Weston, where she sang in the choir and participated in the women's society. It was through church that she met her beloved husband, Richard "Dick" Clare Hodgeman, at East Avenue Methodist Church.
Above all else, Mollie cherished her family. She found immeasurable joy in being a mother to her son, Richard Derek Hodgeman, and daughters, Dierdre (Dee) Ruth Stuart (Ed Thomasi) and Heather Hodgeman. Her heart overflowed with pride for her granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth Turner (Adam). Mollie considered it one of life's greatest blessings to witness Lauren graduate from college and graduate school, marry, and welcome a son of her own - Mollie's great-grandson, Finn David Turner.
She is also remembered fondly by several nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews, whose lives were enriched by her kindness and generosity.
Mollie was predeceased by her husband, Richard Clare Hodgeman; her parents, Alfred and Marion Black; siblings, Alfred Stuart Black (Mary), Martha Black Andersen (Ward), John James Black (Kay); sister-in-law, Jean Marietta Carman (Frank); and niece, Elizabeth Allyn Andersen.
A memorial service celebrating Mollie's life will be held at the United Methodist Church of Westport/Weston, 49 Weston Rd., Westport, on November 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Thrive Cooperative Center for Wellness, @thrivewellnessct.org .