Joan Catherine Dodge Stillinger's Obituary
Joan Catherine Dodge Stillinger passed away peacefully on May 23rd, 2026, at the age of 84. She was at home in Riva, Maryland, surrounded by the love of her four children, and has now been reunited with her husband, Arthur “Buzz” Stillinger.
Born in Morgantown, West Virginia on June 1st, 1941, to Albert Ray Dodge and Verna Catherine Groves, Joan was the youngest of five siblings: Lucille, Freda, Carol Roy, and Ila Rose. She grew up in Morgantown and St. Petersburg, Florida before graduating from the University of Florida in 1963.
Joan found a deep and meaningful calling to join the nursing profession, where she spent a lifetime selflessly caring for others. Her career path eventually led to Hospice of the Chesapeake, providing heartfelt compassion to patients and their families when they needed it the most. After 60 years of nursing, she retired from the profession in 2023.
Besides nursing, she found tremendous joy in beautiful music, travelling around the world, using her talent on mission trips, hosting dinners for friends and entertaining at their home, donating time to various organizations, coordinating large family gatherings, shopping for bargains, and generously giving to others every step of the way.
Those who are blessed to call her “mom” are Lindsey Stillinger (Lisa), Julie Miller, Randy Stillinger (Sharon), and Dana Robinson. The grandchildren who lovingly called her “Gammy,” are Emily (Justin), Alex (Bailey), Ryan, Erin, Sammy, Sarah, Steve, A.J. and Wrenlee (great-granddaughter). She will be missed by all who knew her and still love her.
A celebration of her beautiful life will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 28th at the church where they had been members for many years: Calvary United Methodist Church (301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21401).
Those wishing to honor her are encouraged to donate to the Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation, Naptown Symphony Orchestra, or the Parole Rotary Foundation.
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