Dorothy C. Hechler-Bax, 87, of Fort Wayne, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025.

She was born on January 22, 1938 in Fort Wayne to the late Clem and Dorothy (Hathaway) Vodde. Three days after Dorothys birth, her mother tragically passed away. Her father then remarried Florence Alberts, she to preceded Dorothy in death.

Dorothy attended Saint Peter's Catholic School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1956.

In October of 1957, she married James Hechler and they were blessed with two daughter, Laura Anne (Robt) Stoffer and Marina Lynne Kraft. They were further blessed with two grandchildren, Nathan and Matthew; and a great-grandson, William.

Dorothy worked at Lincoln Life and North American Van Lines. Dorothy was proud of her 61 years with ARC as a Water Safety Inspector. She also began the Swim Program in New Haven in 1965 and developed a swim program for the disabled.

Dorothy was also a Lifeguard at the former Hospitality Motor Inn. She then moved to Olympia where she was a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor, later becoming a Pool Manager. In her mid-life, She then became a Nursing Student, graduating in 1982. She also became a Massage Therapist after he time in Nursing School.

A Funeral Service celebrating Dorothy's Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery.

Please share fond memories and condolences at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com