Dorothy Hoffner, a remarkable 104-year-old Chicago woman who recently made a record-breaking skydive, has peacefully passed away. Her close friend and caregiver, Joe Conant, shared the sad news, revealing that Dorothy had passed away in her sleep on Sunday night at the Brookdale Lake View senior living community.
Describing their friendship, Conant affectionately referred to her as “Grandma” at her request. He remembered Dorothy as an indomitable spirit with boundless energy and a keen mind. “She was indefatigable. She just kept going,” he remarked. “She was always there, fully present. She kept going, always.”
On October 1st, Dorothy made a tandem skydive from 13,500 feet at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois, potentially securing her place in the Guinness World Records as the oldest skydiver ever. After her triumphant landing, she addressed the cheering crowd, saying, “Age is just a number.” This was not her first skydiving experience; she had initially taken the leap at the age of 100.
Joe Conant is working diligently to secure Guinness World Records certification for Dorothy posthumously, though he anticipates that it may take some time. Regardless of records, Dorothy’s skydiving adventure was purely driven by her love for the thrill, with no intention of gaining publicity or breaking records.
In a joint statement, Skydive Chicago and the United States Parachute Association expressed their deep sorrow at Dorothy’s passing and acknowledged the honor of being part of her record-breaking jump. They celebrated her as a reminder that it’s never too late to embrace the thrill of life.
Dorothy Hoffner’s life was a testament to her resilience and zest for life. A memorial service to celebrate her inspiring journey is planned for early November, where friends like Joe Conant will remember her as a dear friend and a true inspiration.
