Dorothy Hoffner, a remarkable 104-year-old from Chicago, known for her recent record-breaking skydive, has passed away.
Her friend, Joe Conant, a nurse, discovered her peacefully at rest on Monday morning at Brookdale Lake View senior living community, where she resided. Dorothy’s skydive on October 1st, from an astounding altitude of 13,500 feet at Skydive Chicago, positioned her to potentially claim the title of the oldest person to skydive, according to Guinness World Records.
Conant affectionately referred to her as “Grandma,” a moniker she had requested. He praised her boundless vitality and unwavering mental acuity, emphasizing her remarkable presence at social functions. Dorothy’s zest for life was evident; she never succumbed to afternoon naps or missed any engagements. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious.
Dorothy’s first skydive took place at the spry age of 100, and her recent jump was not motivated by a desire to break records. She simply relished the exhilaration of the experience. Conant is in the process of submitting paperwork to Guinness World Records for posthumous certification as the oldest skydiver, a fitting tribute to her extraordinary spirit.
Dorothy’s legacy extends beyond her skydiving feat. Her career as a telephone operator with Illinois Bell (later AT&T) spanned over four decades, culminating in her retirement 43 years ago. As a lifelong Chicagoan, she never married and had no immediate family. A memorial service is planned for early November, where her dear friend Conant will pay tribute to the woman who inspired so many.
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