Dorothy Fackelman passed from this life into the next on Monday, April 20, 2020.
She was born May 16, 1923 in St. Paul, Minn. and later married the love of her life, Harold Fackelman, in 1950. They were blessed with eight children: Margaret (Daniel) Lafree of Mishawaka, Ind.; Kathy (Jerry) Leek of Wanatah, Ind.; John (Maureen) Fackelman of Altamonte Springs, Fla.; Lisa Fackelman of Fort Wayne, Ind.; David (Barbara) Fackelman of Mount Dora, Fla.; Mary Fackelman of Wanatah, Ind.; Laura Fackelman of Valparaiso, Ind.; and Peter (Elizabeth) Fackelman of Davidson, N.C. Grandchildren surviving are three children of Margaret (Daniel), including Jacob (Lyssa) of Elkhart, Ind.; Kristina of Indianapolis, Ind.; and Jessica of Indianapolis; and five children of Peter (Elizabeth), including Mallory (Zachary) of Burlington, Vt.; Heyden (Annie) of Charlotte, N.C.; Adam of Atlanta, Ga.; Jay of Pittsburgh, Penn.; and Eric of Davidson, N.C. Great-grandchildren include Violet Marie of Jacob (Lyssa) of Elkhart, Ind.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband in May 2019; parents, Flora and Victor Ellacott and one sibling, Catherine Stocksdale.
Dorothy’s early years were spent in Minnesota and later in LaCrosse, Wisc. As a child, she regaled in stories about Scotland from her mother. Dorothy took flying lessons, rode horses, enjoyed swimming and bicycling, and loved maps and geography. She was known to have her World Atlas right next to her each night. She adored Scottish poet Robert Burns and listening to her mother play piano. Dorothy attended business school and worked at Ball Band in Mishawaka, Ind.
While later attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. Dorothy met her future husband, Harold. These two were a match made in heaven and were married for 69 years. First and foremost, Dorothy was the epitome of what a wife and mother should be. Most important in her life were her eight children and wonderful husband. When people met with Dorothy, she always gave them her undivided attention—an impressive skill with so many children running around.
The family would like to acknowledge the Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers who took wonderful care of their mother. The family would also like to extend a heartful appreciation to daughters Laura Fackelman and Kathy Leek for their tireless, unfailing devotion to their mom. It’s really impossible to acknowledge all they did for her. They are deeply, deeply appreciated.
Due to the Covid-19 virus, a private Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with burial at Pine Lake Cemetery. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte, is handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Seniors Helping Seniors, 605 Water St., P.O. Box 225, Union Mills, Ind. 46382-0225.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.