Mary Dolores "Dodie" Longinotti

MARY DOLORES "DODIE" LONGINOTTI passed away Monday, June 29, in Little Rock, at the age of 87. Born Aug. 15, 1927, Dodie was the first of four daughters of August and Elsie (Sprick) Probst. Dodie was a 1945 graduate of Mount St. Mary Academy where she became best friends with Olga "Squeakie" Longinotti, through whom she met the man who would become her husband of 59 years, James Longinotti. They married on June 15, 1948, at St. Edward Church in Little Rock. A lifelong devout Catholic, Dodie became a member of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in 1949. To say she was involved in many of the parish's activities would be a gross understatement. As mother of nine children who attended Holy Souls school over the years, she served as room mother, playground monitor, PTO officer, and later, as a wedding coordinator, officer of the senior's group, and president of the Altar Society- the list of her contributions goes on. Most recently she enjoyed being active in the senior's group and especially looked forward to their Friday night outings. To her family, she was "the mother of all mothers" around whom all family activities revolved. Despite its modest stature, Dodie's home was one spilling over with love. Her children never felt that they were lacking in wealth because Dodie provided the riches of love, guidance, and faith. She was particularly proud that all of her children and grandchildren continued to look forward to each and every family get-together. For that, her extended family owes her their undying gratitude. Dodie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James, her son, David Longinotti, and her son-in-law, Alan Blaylock. She is survived by her two sons: Chris Longinotti (Mary Ann) of Little Rock; Mark Longinotti of Lombard, Ill.; six daughters: Joan Brush (Mike); Susan Odle (Eddie); Karen Blaylock; Debbie Odle (Jim); Barbara Ropp (Ken); Cindy Witherell (Mike) all of Little Rock; her sisters Kathryn "Kathy" Clark, Dorothy "Dot" Melancon, and Patricia "Patsy" Papan; grandchildren: Jennifer Robinson, Heather Carter, Anthony Longinotti, Christina Carland, Lisa Blaylock, Matthew Blaylock, Jessica Remsing, Angela Moore, Katie Ropp, and Daniel Witherell, all of Little Rock, and Gina Longinotti of Chapel Hill, N. C., and nine great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Holy Souls Church on Monday, July 6 from 6-7 p.m. The Rosary will follow at 7. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7 at Holy Souls, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, 1003 N. Tyler St. Little Rock, Ark. 72205. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.