Dorothy Fender

Dorothy Ann Fender

June 19, 1958 - July 24, 2022

Spring Hill, Florida – Our beautiful, sweet mother, Dorothy Ann Fender, deeply loved so many people. Unfailingly kind, selfless and supportive, she raised two children on her own, carrying tremendous burdens for our happiness. We cannot put into words how much she was loved and how great this loss is for both our family and the many, many people whose lives she touched. 

Mom was always and example of Christlike love and charity, a true caregiver. She taught us how to love others without judging them for their circumstances, how to help others unconditionally. When life became overwhelming, she was a soft place to land. When we looked to build our own lives and families, she was a shining example. She was never as happy as when she played with her three, beloved grandchildren or told – and retold – family lore with her siblings. We will miss her hugs, her laugh and her adventurous spirit.

Dorothy was the youngest of five children. And we are so very grateful that she got to spend the last years of her life reunited with her sisters and brother, surrounded by love, boisterous storytelling and living her dream retirement after a lifetime of hard work. At her new home in Florida, she went to sleep and didn’t wake up. 

She is survived by her daughter Jessica, son Tom and their respective partners Aaron Costeines and Layne Fender. She also leaves behind three talented grandchildren, Adam, Ellie and Cael Fender, who were the lights of her life. And she will be greatly missed by her siblings, Patty Farley, Jeanne Brackins, Sally Morphew and Mike Donahue, as well as their partners, children and circle of dear friends, including Jean Zack. She will be reunited with her beloved parents, Richard Vincent and Margaret Donahue. 

There will be a funeral mass held in her honor Friday, July 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Spring Hill, Florida, and a memorial service in Las Vegas at a future date.

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