Obituary - Gloria Safbom Hintz

August 26, 1934 - May 15, 2026

Gloria "Dolly" Safbom Hintz, 91, of Richmond, Va., passed away at Cedarfield Retirement Community on May 15th, 2026, after a short stay in hospice care.

Born on August 26, 1934, in Chicago, Ill., Dolly lived a life of compassionate service and principled devotion. A graduate of Thorne Nursing School at Northwestern University, she was employed as a nurse for less than a year but her work adjacent to the healthcare field continued throughout her lifetime.

As one of the co-founders of the MCV-VCU Hospital Hospitality House (now The Doorways), she advocated tirelessly for the support and well-being of the families of hospitalized patients, who she called "the forgotten members of the health care team." The Doorways celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024 and has served more than 225,000 guests with 1.3 million nights of lodging.

Dolly was president of The Doorways board until 1994 and was recognized for her service by The Valentine Museum as a Richmond History Maker in 2019. She also served as a trustee of the MCV Foundation, which recognized her with the 2025 Michael B. Dowdy Award.

She was devoted to her husband, Robert "Bob" Hintz, former chairman and CEO of Sea-Land Corporation and former executive vice president of its holding company, CSX Corporation, through 45 years of marriage until his untimely death in 2001.

A skilled artist and always creative, Dolly was delighted by travel, the arts and the company of her grandchildren. She was a dedicated member and supporter of the River Road Baptist Church.

Dolly is survived by her brother, Butch Safbom (Charlotte Safbom); her four children, Cary C. Hintz (Kelly Coppinger), Leslie A. Hintz Flanary, David Hintz Timberline (Holly Gems Timberline), and Erin M. Hall (Dan Hall); 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Safbom.

A Celebration of Life will be held for friends and family members at Woody's Funeral Home, 1771 N Parham Road on June 2nd starting at 5:30 p.m. (this is not a 'drop in' event, there will be a set program).

A funeral service will be held at River Road Baptist Church, 8000 River Road on June 3rd at 10:30 a.m. with a graveside ceremony at Greenwood Memorial Gardens directly thereafter. A reception will be held at Richmond Country Club starting at 1 p.m.

Dolly loved color so celebratory dress is encouraged for all of these gatherings. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Doorways or St. Joseph's Villa in honor of Dolly Hintz.

Woody Funeral Home - Parham