Dorothy Ann Hoffnagle Selander

The world has lost one of its brightest lights—a mother, wife, and storyteller

extraordinaire—Dorothy "Dot" or "Dottie" Ann Hoffnagle. If heaven wasn't ready for her wit

and charm, they'd better get ready now.

She leaves behind her loving and devoted husband, Rogers, and three children: Kenny, Liz, and

Trish, as well as six grandchildren: Isabel, Riley, Nathan, Tyler, Brayden, and Isla. She is also

survived by her two siblings, Helen and Jim, countless nieces and nephews who adored their

"Aunt Dottie," as well as several unofficially adopted children, and most important her beloved

and perfect dog - Charlie.

Born into a bustling household of eleven siblings, Dot quickly learned that to be heard, you had

to be louder, funnier, and occasionally (or always) just a little bit bossy. These skills served her

well as the proud mother of three slightly unruly but undeniably cute children and as the adoring

grandmother of six flawless grandchildren—a generation who, unlike her children, apparently

made no mistakes. (Her children, of course, she would argue were mostly raised by their dad at

least when they misbehaved—a notion not quite supported by math or science, but she never let

facts get in the way of a good story.) Dot was also the self-appointed queen of every family

gathering, ruling with equal parts sass, wisdom, and love.

Her marriage to Rogers was nothing short of legendary and the stuff of dreams, legends, and

fairy tales. While he served his country, she kept the home fires burning. Whether it was

managing moves to new bases, wrangling kids, or fixing her own car (thank you very much), Dot

handled it all. And if something wasn't easy, she'd tell you so—with a wink and a laugh.

Standing only 5'2" (and a half thank you very much), she was fond of reminding her kids, "I'll

stand on a chair to whoop your [expletive deleted], so keep it up!" or, if you antagonized her,

"I'll put my foot up your [expletive deleted] so fast you won't know what hit you." But more

often than not, she stood on a chair to lift her children, her family, and her friends higher, always

their fiercest champion and their softest landing spot.

Later in life, she often enjoyed calling her children to let them know she and her beloved

husband were at Lowes. Again. Because of yet another project our dad had started. No matter

how many times she told him to make a list, he didn't need one as evidenced by her calls, "This

is the fourth time I'm not coming back!" She did in fact go back, every time.

She was an avid crafter and enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and other crafts throughout her

life. Often helping us kids or her grandchildren make something last minute. And it was always

last minute, we were famous for telling her the morning of that she had to bring in two dozen

home baked cupcakes or that we needed an ugly sweater for ugly sweater day. Hey, if you wait

until the last minute, it only takes a minute, it's like we did her a favor. You could count on her

to come through. She enjoyed crafting for the holidays and adding a little extra holiday flair by

making a little pin or festive wreath featuring pumpkins, Santa, snowmen, or a four-leaf clover.

Though she preferred traditional holiday icons and adornments, if her grandson wanted a

Kingdom Hearts wreath, it doesn't matter if you don't know what the *#%@ that is, grandma

will figure out how to make it.

She was active with her Cricut and knitting machine until her final days. Making T-shirts,

stickers, and anything her family asked. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge of the cricut

(whether you wanted to know or not!) and showing others how to save and avoid her mistakes

with it (in theory, if she could make mistakes…), because she would be damned if you spent

extra!

Dot's life was a masterclass in laughter, resilience, and unwavering love. She leaves behind a

legacy that stretches far beyond measure. We will forever miss her sharp wit, open heart, and

ability to solve any problem with a cup of tea, a slice of peanut butter toast, and a good chat.

In her honor, share a story that makes someone laugh until they cry, belt out your favorite song

with abandon, or stand on a chair, the proud Mistress of all you survey. And if you see a mother

juggling too much or someone who looks like they need a little kindness, step in—Dot would

have.

Rest easy, Mom. You made the world brighter, and we'll carry your light with us always. And

the slight fear of your foot up our -you know what- if we step out of line.

In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to a rescue mom supported, Ruff Road Pet Rescue. https://ruffroadpetrescue.com/

Donations can be made to:

PayPal donations : ruffroadpetrescue@gmail.com

Or via check made out to "Ruff Road Pet Rescue" mailed to

Ruff Road Pet Rescue

5709 Churchland BLVD STE A

Portsmouth, VA 23703