Dorothy Evelyn Westendorf

With great sadness that is yet blessed, the family of Dorothy Evelyn (Bennett) Westendorf, 91, announce her passing on April 18, 2023, at her home and surrounded by her loving family.

Dorothy was the 2nd youngest of 6 children of the late Russell and Evelyn Bennett, Fort Wayne, IN. She graduated from Central Catholic High School and later married Joseph Neil Westendorf (surviving) in October of 1953, starting a family that eventually grew to 9 children. They moved to Lake Tippecanoe in 1969 where she raised her family and honed her passions for flower gardening, landscaping, and making the old lake house a family home. She could take any piece of antique furniture and make it look beautiful again and made beautiful stone birdhouses as well as festive 4th of July hats that were personalized to fit each grandchild. Dorothy was a fabulous cook and baker. Many favorite dishes that will be missed are: her special recipe chili, “the old standby,” homemade birthday cakes with chocolate icing, and the best peanut butter toast, just to name a few; and her Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter family dinners will forever be remembered.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of almost 70 years; son Doug Westendorf; 5 daughters, Deb Westendorf, Kim Trammel (Don), Nancy Westendorf, JoAnn Brown (Jeff), Michelle Davis (Chris); 17 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and her brother, Paul Bennett. She was preceded in death by 2 daughters, Laura Westendorf and Barbara Essig; a son, Joey Westendorf; and daughter-in-law, Beverly Westendorf; sisters Arlene Ley, Mary Weigand; brothers Tom and Bob Bennett.

Visitation is Sunday, April 23, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN. The Rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m. prior to visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday April 24, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., at St Jude Catholic Church, 2130 Pemberton Dr., Fort Wayne, IN, with additional visitation calling one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw, IN, or to St Jude Catholic Church Fort Wayne, IN. To sign the online guest book, go to www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.