Team Davidson announces with great sorrow the passing of Dr. Dorothy S. Davidson, Executive Chair of the Davidson Technologies Board of Directors. Davidson passed away at home Tuesday, the company announced.

Davidson was a vanguard, not only for women in her field, but a pioneer within the engineering industry as a whole. She began her professional journey after earning her bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1956.

Throughout her storied career, she attained accolades and achievements, but none as rewarding as assuming the role of CEO and Chairman of the Davidson Board of Directors following the death of her husband, company founder, Dr. Julian Davidson in 2013.

She took pride in maintaining Davidson’s reputation of performance excellence, and in transforming the company into what it is today. She remained active in the daily business operations of the company until her final days.

Davidson was also a pillar of community philanthropy for more than 25 years, donating her time and resources in support of dozens of organizations including Huntsville Museum of Art, where she funded the construction of the Davidson Center for the Arts; Huntsville Symphony; the Saturn V Restoration Executive Committee; The Davidson Center for Space Exploration at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center; National Children’s Advocacy Center; Kids to Love Foundation; Calhoun Community College; Auburn University School of Engineering; Auburn University Museum of Art; Decatur’s Cook Museum, and Huntsville Botanical Garden, among others.

“This is not only a great loss of a friend and mentor to the Rocket Center, but to so many in our community, said Brenda Carr, Executive Director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation. “She infused her spirit and enthusiasm in so many of us who had the great fortune to know and work with her. She and Julian made a lasting impact on this city and we are forever grateful.”

The Rocket Center will light the vertical Saturn V blue, the color of Davidson Technologies’ logo, to honor of Dr. Davidson’s legacy of support for the Rocket Center and her community.

Details on Dr. Davidson’s celebration of life event are forthcoming.