Dorothy “Tipper” Hall Roderick, 77, a lifetime resident of Plymouth, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Nov. 25, in Shrewsbury, with family by her side.
Born in Plymouth on April 21, 1948, to Robert S. and Dorothy M. Hall, Dorothy grew up among the love of her brothers and sister: the late Robert S. Hall Jr., the late Brian Whitley Hall, Benjamin D. Hall of Braintree, and Patricia Ann Hall of Toccoa, GA.
Dorothy graduated from Plymouth High School in 1966. Her superb interpersonal skills led to success in many fields, including fulfilling work at Jordan Hospital, New England Telephone, and Nathaniel Morton School in Plymouth. After earning her cosmetology degree, she worked at various local salons. Later, she relished putting her expertise to use as a customer service supervisor at Filene’s in Kingston, where she made many longtime friendships.
Dorothy was the devoted mother to David Roderick, Jr., of Berkeley, CA, and Andrea Roderick Finnegan, of Shrewsbury. From 1968-2015, she was the wife of David Roderick, Sr., of Duxbury, and for the past 10 years they remained close friends. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Rachel Richardson of Berkeley, son-in-law, John Finnegan of Shrewsbury, and five granddaughters: Olivia and Cecilia Roderick of Berkeley and Ella, Mae, and Lily Finnegan of Shrewsbury. In addition, she is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
Words cannot adequately describe the gravitational pull of Dorothy’s personality. At family gatherings and social events, she entertained with gusto, especially when she was hostess. Decorating for the holidays was one of her favorite traditions. Her warmth, sharp wit, and epic storytelling had an enormous impact on the people in her life.
Dorothy showed great generosity to vulnerable and underprivileged people. For decades she supported programs at Rosie’s Place in Boston, a homeless shelter for women. She knitted hats and scarves, organized clothing shipments, and made generous financial contributions to help homeless women in the region. Dorothy will be remembered especially for her desire to support those who were most in need.
Dorothy loved cooking, baking, gardening, embroidery, and knitting, all skills she shared with her granddaughters. With them, she also took great joy in nature, especially birdwatching and beachcombing. She delighted in music, especially the blues. Over the course of Dorothy’s life, she journaled and collected poems. She was a dedicated correspondent and showered her loved ones with letters and gifts acknowledging holidays and special occasions.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cartmell-Davis Funeral Home, 373 Court St., Plymouth. Dorothy’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Church on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.
Donations in Dorothy’s name can be sent to Rosie’s Place, 889 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118.