Dorothy Joanne Hitchens

December 22, 2018

Dorothy Joanne Hitchens, age 78, of North Huntingdon, died on December 22, 2018.  She was born in McKeesport on March 28, 1940 and is the daughter of the late John B. and Anna C. Peterson Wood. Beloved wife for 61 years of Nelson Hitchens; loving mother of Cheryl (Frank Bohm) Hitchens, Craig Hitchens and Chris (Denise) Hitchens; beloved sister of Carolyn Wood, Robert (Nancy) Wood and the late Audrey (James) Leriotus; and cherished grandmother of Scott Hitchens, Andrew Hitchens, Melissa Rollinson and Nathan Liddell. A graduate of McKeesport High School and the University of Pittsburgh, Dorothy spent many years impacting young lives as a kindergarten teacher at White Oak Elementary School. She was a dedicated member of the McKeesport Presbyterian Church where she volunteered in a wide range of capacities, including serving as an Elder, teaching Sunday School and preparing food for those in need.  She was also an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.  Dorothy and Nelson have been enthusiastic cyclists and traveled many of Pennsylvania’s rails-to-trails together. Family and friends will be received on Thursday, December 27, 2018 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (412-678-6177).  Visitation will also be on Friday, December 28, 2018 from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 10 a.m in the funeral home chapel with Reverend James Leuenberger officiating.  Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the food pantry at The Intersection, 115 Seventh Avenue, PO Box 827, McKeesport PA 15134. To share a memory or online condolence, visit https://strifflerfuneralhomes.com.