Dorothy (Kenifick) Loveless

Dorothy was one of those “glass ceiling” breaking women, a child of the Great Depression. She grew up in El Paso Texas during the Great Depression’s hard times learning how to work hard and strive for excellence. After graduating from High School she moved cross country to Virginia, and in Leesburg married her life long love, Damon, sharing 74 years together until he passed 10 months earlier. Dorothy raised a family of 3, staying home during each child’s crucial childhood years. Dorothy started working as a telephone switchboard operator and eventually climbed to the highest levels in the Federal Civil Service. Dorothy was listed in the WHO’S WHO OF WASHINGTON working for the Federal Government. As Comptroller of the Naval Space Command Dorothy was responsible all the Command’s financial activities, and even worked with NASA astronauts. Following the Challenger Shuttle disaster, Dorothy accepted a position at NASA as Budget Director for Space Operations. Family vacations were traveling across America, learning to camp and fish, and visiting historical places to read about those momentous events that shaped the United States. Dorothy always tried to teach the kids or develop new interests; and involved the family in a wide range of interests from playing musical instruments, playing tennis/baseball/football, making clothes, to gardening. Always willing to accept new challenges, Dorothy learned to SCUBA dive, and in her 70s earned her pilots license. While retired Dorothy volunteered to work at the War Eagles Museum in Santa Teresa New Mexico organizing their library, supporting the Ninety-Nines organization, and flying medical supplies between local hospitals. In addition to her husband she was predeceased by her son Damon William, and is survived by her daughter Catherine and husband; son Dennis and wife; 8 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren, and 7 Great-Great Grandchildren. Services will be at the discretion of the family.

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