Dorothy A Carpenter

Dorothy Ann "Dottie" Carpenter, 89, of Fort Wayne, passed away on June 9, 2023, due to poor health at her home. She was born in Fort Wayne on June 26, 1933, to the late Edward J. and Ethel F. (Harbor) Sullivan. Known to those who loved her as Dottie, she attended Churubusco Elementary and High School, graduating in 1951. Dottie was married to her sweetheart Richard "Dick" Carpenter, at Ege Catholic Church, on June 14, 1952. Together they raised five children, four foster children, as well as, touching the lives of many others. He preceded her in death on July 15, 2014. For many years Dottie was involved in school, community, and church activities. Upon moving to Fort Wayne, she pursued many interests. She was especially active in her faith and a long-time member of Saint Mary Mother of God Catholic Church for 50 plus years. She was involved in many ministries there, and her work with the underprivileged is well known throughout the city. She was active in the Saint Mary Soup Kitchen, Saint Martin de Porres Ministries, Saint Vincent de Paul Society, and Saint Mary's Warehouse. She operated a clothing bank for the Saint Patrick's Catholic Church for 15 years. In 2008, Dottie founded and directed the Ave Maria House of Saint Mary Mother of God Parish, a daytime shelter for the homeless and those needing care and understanding. Other work she was involved in volunteering were St. Jude Children's Hospital, Muscular Dystrophy, Fort Wayne SPCA, and Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control. Dottie had great love for her faith, her family, and her friends, and was an avid gardener. She will be missed by those who knew her; her heart and spirit for life, her faith, hope, and love of others will forever impact many. Dottie is survived by her children, Theresa Ann Teders, Erin Colleen Hazelett, Michael Edward Carpenter, Carma Marie (Charles) MacPherson, and Patrick Joseph (Amy) Carpenter; three foster children, Thomasine Doherman, Christine (Derrick) Keener, and Lynette Bohnstedt; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a foster child, Mary North Robison; a brother, Robert Sullivan; a sister, Mary Jane Oakes; a grandson, Richard Teders, and a great-granddaughter, Wynter Teders. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Saint Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, 1101 S. Lafayette, Fort Wayne, IN. 46802, on July 8, 2023, at 10:30, with calling one hour prior. The family will also receive family and friends at the church on July 7, 2023, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the Holy Rosary at 8:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be directed to the Ave Maria House or Saint Mary' s Soup Kitchen.