Dolores Szymanski

Dolores "Dolly" Szymanski, 87, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, went to be with her Lord on February 9, 2026. She was born on February 28, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of the late Charles and Angeline (Voss) Kloka.

Dolores lived a life full of vibrancy and dedication to her family and faith.

Dolores married Gerald G. Szymanski, with whom she moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1967. Gerald was one of the founding faculty members at Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW), where Dolores also worked as an associate faculty member for 25 years before her retirement. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who loved making memories at the family condo in Marine City, Michigan, on the St. Clair River.

Dolores was an active member of her church and the Fort Wayne community. She participated in two long-standing bible groups at both St. Charles and St. Vincent's Catholic churches, and was involved in two different book clubs. Her volunteer work was extensive, including contributions to Christ's Child Society, St. Joseph Hospital, and the Women's Care Center. A lover of music, Dolores held season tickets for the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and rarely missed a concert.

Dolores is survived by her children, John (Donna) Szymanski, Jim (Tina) Szymanski, and Mary (Michael) Robinson; her grandchildren, David Novak, Rachel (Michael) Davis, Brian (Maya) Szymanski, Ashley Szymanski, Chris (Mariah) Szymanski, Kaitlyn (Caleb) Pozorski, Noah Szymanski, Elizabeth (Alex) Craft, Nicolette (Thorn) Kinsey, Emily Robinson, and Gavin Penlend; six great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Joni Kloka.

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald G. Szymanski; her parents; her son, Tom Szymanski; and her brother, Chuck Kloka.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, located at 1502 E. Wallen Rd., Fort Wayne, IN, 46825, with visitation one hour prior. A Rosary Service is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 9:40 am at the church. Dolores will be laid to rest at a later date at Fort Wayne Catholic Cemetery, located at 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne.

Dolores Szymanski's legacy of faith, love, and community service will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.