Dorothea May Fennick

Dorothea May Fennick, age 92, passed away surrounded in love on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Otterbein Senior Life Community in St. Marys, Ohio. Born on April 20, 1933 in New Castle, Pennsylvania, she devoted her life to faith, family, and serving others. “Dottie” was the daughter of the late Harold M. and Dorothea K. (Knobloch) Wright.

She was a graduate of East Brook High School. On February 14, 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart, Benjamin J. Fennick who survives at the Otterbein in St. Marys. For 73 years, she shared an enduring and joyful marriage and together built a life centered on love, faith, and family. Also surviving are their children; Kathleen (Dr. James D.) Luedeke of New Bremen, Ohio, Benjamin (A. Joy) Fennick, Jr. of Eufala, Alabama, and Karen (Dr. Randall J.) Hoobler of Grand Junction, Colorado, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her brother Harold M. Wright and her sister M. Jeanne Wright.

A devoted member of First Alliance Church in New Castle, PA and most recently an adherent of Faith Alliance Church in New Bremen, Ohio, she taught Sunday school, served on the Kitchen Committee, and played piano for weekly services entirely by ear, as she never learned to read music. She lived out her strong faith in God through service and love to others, always being certain to make others feel valued and cared for; her everyday gifts of kindness were her gifts of sacred service.

Dottie’s spiritual gift was that of hospitality. She was an exceptional baker, best known for her delicious assortment of homemade pies. Together with her husband, Ben, they welcomed anyone in need into their home, and lived by the saying, “there’s always room for one more” at their kitchen table. For many years, the two joyfully served at a local Christian church camp in Mahaffey, PA, where they prepared meals for hundreds of people each week, providing delicious homemade food for the enjoyment of all. Throughout her life, in addition to being a devoted homemaker, Dottie worked first as a secretary at Pennsylvania Power Company, and later for many years as a Nurses Aid at Bashline Hospital in Grove City, PA as well as St. Francis Hospital in New Castle, PA.

Dottie took the greatest pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cheering them on with unmatched enthusiasm at every milestone, game, and accomplishment. She will be remembered for her boundless love, her deep faith, and her unwavering devotion as a wife, mother, and grandmother.

There will be no public visitation.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at the Faith Alliance Church in New Bremen, Ohio with Pastor Trent Fledderjohann officiating. Burial will follow in the Willow Grove Cemetery of New Bremen. Everyone in attendance is welcome to join the family at the Faith Alliance Church Fellowship Hall for a luncheon and time of fellowship following the interment at Willow Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Otterbein Senior Life (11230 State Route 364, St. Marys, Ohio 45885  Attn: Memorial Garden) for a future beautification garden project. Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, Ohio is honored to assist the family, and condolences and memories can be shared with the family through the funeral home website: www.gilberghartwigfh.com.