On October 1, 2023, Dorothy Hoffner, a spirited 104-year-old from Chicago, etched her name into history by completing a tandem skydive. This wasn’t her first dive—she had previously jumped at age 100—but this time, she soared into the Guinness World Records as the oldest person ever to skydive. Calm and fearless, Hoffner later shared that the most exhilarating moment came when a gust of wind spun her and her instructor midair.
Those who knew Dorothy weren’t surprised by her daring adventure. Her longtime friend, Joe Conant, who first encouraged her to try skydiving in 2019, explained that she wasn’t chasing records—she was chasing joy. A lifelong explorer, she had visited nearly every U.S. state except Alaska, embodying a passion for discovery well into her later years.
Her resilience was just as remarkable as her adventurous streak. With longevity running in her family—her mother lived to 92 and her father into his 80s—Dorothy also overcame breast cancer and the challenges of macular degeneration. Despite these hurdles, she radiated optimism and inspired those around her with her zest for life.
Sadly, only days after her record-breaking skydive, Dorothy passed away peacefully in her sleep at her senior living residence. She had already been planning her next adventure—a hot air balloon ride for her 105th birthday—showing that her thirst for new experiences never faded.
Though she is gone, Dorothy Hoffner’s legacy continues to uplift and inspire. She proved that age should never define one’s spirit, reminding us all that a life filled with courage, curiosity, and joy can truly be a wonderful one.
