Mary "Mollie" E. Hodgeman

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, having earned a full scholarship to “Methody,” as it is affectionately known. Her scholastic aptitude was exceptional—she received distinction in all subjects and ranked among the top ten students in Northern Ireland in at least four disciplines. Just before immigrating to the United States, she sat for civil service examinations and achieved scores that ranked among the highest her employer had ever recorded.

After arriving in the U.S., Mollie brought her talents and grace to South Norwalk Savings Bank, where she worked for many years. Known for her outstanding 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. Though offered promotions throughout her career, Mollie consistently declined them, choosing instead to prioritize her family above all else.

Mollie’s creativity and craftsmanship were evident in every stitch she sewed. An accomplished seamstress, she 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. She lovingly crafted her own wedding dress along with bridesmaid dresses and outfits for her mother and grandmother. Her children were known throughout Connecticut for having the most imaginative 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 legendary among family and friends. Every weeknight meal ended with a homemade dessert—a tradition that reflected both her culinary skill and her nurturing spirit.

Mollie was also a lifelong singer who lent her voice to Methodist church choirs in East Norwalk and Westport. She 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—a bond rooted in shared faith that blossomed into a lifetime of love.

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), whom she watched grow up with love and guidance—teaching her to cook and bake after school each day. 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.

Mollie leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, creativity, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.