Dorothy M. Gadd

Dorothy Mae Gadd, age 81, of Glen Burnie, Maryland passed away peacefully, surrounded by her three daughters and many loved ones, on July 6, 2025.

She was born Dorothy Mae Durm in Annapolis, MD on December 17, 1943 to the late George Durm, Sr. and Elva Sweeney Durm.  A lifetime resident of Anne Arundel County, Dottie began her career working in the Catalog Department of Montgomery Wards.  She then worked as the secretary for her father’s company, Glen Burnie Generator and Carburetor, for the majority of her working life. Dottie met her future husband, and love of her life, Lawrence (Larry) Gadd, and they married in 1962.  They started their family by welcoming daughter, Penny later that year. They continued to grow their family in 1966 with the birth of their second daughter, Nancy, and completed their family of five with the birth of their youngest daughter, Brenda, in 1968.

Dottie enjoyed gardening and her yearly camping trips where she wowed spectators at Martinak State Park with her Glow Stick Parade.  She also loved Halloween, being her daughters’ troop leader, collecting toys, watching cartoons and most of all she treasured the time spent with her family, especially her ten grandchildren.  For over 50 years, she delighted the children of Lombardee Beach by handing out glow sticks instead of candy at Halloween.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband Lawrence (Larry) Gadd, grandson Joseph (Joey) Rehmert, son-in-law Graig Smith Sr., brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Vacek, and her sisters Janet Willis and Terry Durm. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Penny Hawks (Lex Hawks), Nancy Rehmert and Brenda Smith, all of Glen Burnie, her brother George Durm, Jr. (Eve Durm) of Glen Burnie, and sister Margaret “Peggy” Vacek of Pasadena.  She is also survived by nine cherished grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless children who loving referred to her as “Grammy.”

Penny, Nancy, and Brenda would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon Swain (honorary sister) and Krystal Swain (honorary niece) for their immeasurable love and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Chesapeake https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/

Family and friends may call at the KIRKLEY RUDDICK FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, July 10th, 7:00pm - 9:00pm.