Molly T. Hodapp

(nee McKenna), Resident of College Hill, originally from Ironton OH. Beloved Wife of 58 years to David F. Hodapp, loving mother of Ellen (Mike) Dillon, Dave (Callie), Susan (Chris) Arnold and Andy (Libby), cherished grandma of John and Alex Dillon, Abby and Louie Hodapp, McKenna, Morgan and Brennan Arnold, Nate, Emily and Katie Hodapp, dearest sister to Michael (Robyn) McKenna. 

Described as a “force” and a “dynamo”, mom was always ready to go. She came to Cincinnati to Good Sam College of Nursing and has made Cincinnati her home ever since.

 Mom loved being a nurse, she was a parish nurse before the title existed always “on call” for anyone with a medical need in the neighborhood.  When her youngest son Andy went to all day school she took a refresher course to restore her RN liscense.  She loved the class, made life long friends and passed the test with flying colors.  She had her sights on helping dad provide for Catholic high school and college tuition for us four kids.  Mission accomplished.  

She took golf lessons so she would be able to play with dad in retirement.  She played more than he ever did, joining 9 and 18 hole leagues.   She even had a hole in one in 1997.   

She served on most every committee at one time or another at St. Clare school and Church.  St. Clare and College Hill had their unwavering support.   We ran tabs at Charlies, Slattery’s, Pearce’s and Schwartz’s.  When they were out and about they dined at Bacalls, Marty’s, Brinks, Red Rose and the Coffee shop multiple times a week.  They never understood why people would leave the hill for a meal.

Diagnosed for the first time with Breast Cancer at age 52.  She told us all, “If those were my only 52 years, they were the best God gave anyone”.  And she meant it.   She loved her life.  She never regretted yesterday, she had no worries about tomorrow, because she absolutely loved today!  She lived and enjoyed each moment.  She fought breast cancer not once but again a new, more aggressive cancer appeared 16 years later.  She slayed it both times, serving as an inspiration to all around her.  She trusted her doctors and amazingly, never complained.   All the while reaching out to others, helping however she could.  She went on a job interview, obviously bald, wearing a turban.  She was asked to describe a difficult time.  She said “It has been rough at my house, my husband has a cold”.  She was hired on the spot.  

She always said “I have loved every stage of motherhood”.  Not only did we know that she delighted in us, our friends knew that she enjoyed them.  Our house was a gathering place 24/7.  

She was known for her good humor and common sense.  Almost everyone who came to see her in her last week came through the door saying “you have no idea what she did for me”.  Not only did people appreciate her nursing skills, they also appreciated her good advice.  She loved people and always saw the best in others, a natural at complimenting others strengths, everyone left her company feeling better about themselves.  She was an unusual woman in that she really didn’t hold a grudge. She could get mad, disappointed- but she didn’t hold on to it, she let it go. 

She was the best.  Her legacy lives on in everyone whose life she touched.  Be good to others and be good to yourself.  Wear pink, buy fresh flowers, support small businesses, enjoy your family and your friends.  Give life your best shot, don’t worry about yesterday and don’t fear tomorrow because today can be great!

Molly passed away peacefully on Saturday January 27 at age 81.   Visitation at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6041 Hamilton Ave., Friday February 9 from 4-7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Clare Church 1443 Cedar Ave., College Hill on Saturday February 10 at 11 AM.  Overflow parking can be found at the College Hill Presbyterian Church only by entering at the light on Hamilton Ave.  Mass can be live streamed at https://www.saintclareparish.org/livestream Donations may be made to Good Samaritan School of Nursing, St. Clare Church or Mercy McAuley High School.   If possible, please wear something PINK to both the Visitation and Mass to honor Molly!