Mary Ann Doelling

Mary Ann Doelling, 91, passed away on October 13, 2025. She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on December 30, 1933, daughter of the late Edward and Mary Ann (Mullaney) Walker. Mary Ann graduated from Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne. She met her husband, Bob, in her early twenties while employed as an executive secretary at General Electric when Bob was working in GE’s apprentice and management training programs. After marrying, Bob’s career at GE took them to several different parts of the country before eventually returning them many years later to Fort Wayne with their children. They were happily married for 60 years until Bob’s passing in 2017.

Mary Ann was a very loving wife, mother, and grandmother who devoted herself to the care and well being of her family throughout their lives. She lived her Catholic faith well and was grateful for the gift of her faith especially during her daughter’s long illness and passing.

Mary Ann enjoyed swimming, her Irish heritage, Purdue basketball, Notre Dame football, and all sports and other activities of her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Mary Ann cherished her lifelong close relationships with her grandchildren and other immediate and extended family including her Walker, Dennon, and McAfee nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Fort Wayne and supported various charities throughout her life including St. Vincent Villa and Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry. In her final years with her increasing limitations, Mary Ann appreciated the loving manner in which the team at Lutheran Life Villages-The Villages at Pine Valley Assisted Living cared for and bonded with her. She also was so thankful to be able to share the final stages of her faith journey with Father Polycarp, Father Zane, and parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

She is survived by her son, Robert Jr (Bob) Doelling; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Doelling; and her grandchildren, Caroline Doelling and Evan Doelling. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" Doelling; daughter, Diane Doelling; siblings, Patricia "Pat" (Russ) Dennon, William "Bill" Walker, and Joseph "Joe" (Mary Ann) Walker; and sister-in-law, Mildred "Millie" (Argil) Shock.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 27, 2025 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4916 Trier Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46815, with visitation one hour prior. Burial to follow the service at Lindenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Hope to Healing Initiative- Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend or Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry.