Dorothy was born on October 12, 1962 to Frank and Mary Nihill; she joined older brother, Gregory and older sister, Rosie in Brooklyn, New York.  Dorothy was blessed to live in a two-family home with her grandparents, Nana and Pop Pop.

As a young girl, Dorothy's family moved from Brooklyn to Merrick, Long Island and Mahopac, New York, and then she attended Manhattan College and graduated with honors with an Engineering degree at the top of her class.  Dorothy has many cherished friends from every place she lived and every school she attended.

Dorothy's early career had her traveling and  in 1988, she was in San Francisco and met a young man who was also visiting San Francisco, Jon Cudia; he who would become her husband and father of her beloved daughters, Alexa and Rachel.  Dorothy and Jon built a life in Chicago where their daughters were born and then in 2005, her journey took her to Celebration, Florida.  Once settling down in Celebration, Dorothy, Jon, Alexa and Rachel would welcome their fur baby, Riley, to the family.

Alexa is a stunning strong independent young woman just like her mom.  Alexa is also known as first born.  Rachel is Dorothy's miracle baby; she is a vibrant energetic gift to all who meet her. Dorothy's great accomplishments with Rachel are her success in Special Olympics and when Rachel received her high school diploma.

Dorothy had a wonderful career from Nabisco to McDonald's to Darden to Middleby, to name a few...and everywhere she worked, she would make friends that she would keep for a lifetime.  Dorothy's career gave her the opportunity to travel the world, however her real career was being a mom and a wife – truly devoted to her family.

Dorothy's heart was full of love and commitment to her savior, Jesus.  Dorothy found such peace at her church, Real Life.  Dorothy's life was filled with family, cousins and friends she met along every step of her life's journey.

All of us who knew and loved Dorothy can attest to her selfless spirit, her kindness and her generosity, which is why Dorothy has requested in lieu of flowers, she would like donations made to Special Olympics, specifically the Osceola County chapter, to support Rachel in her future endeavors.

Donations can be made to Special Olympics Florida

Attention: Osceola County

1915 Don Wickham Drive

Clermont, FL 32711

Memo line on check must include: Osceola County