Dolores "Dody" Mae Crilly

Dolores "Dody" Mae Crilly, age 93, of Fort Wayne passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. She was born April 17, 1931 in Fort Wayne to the late Carl H. and Berniece E. Fathauer. Dody graduated from Concordia High School, Class of '49 and attended Indiana University, Bloomington where she studied music. She would meet the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Crilly, on a blind date in the Fall of 1950, and they would wed October 4, 1952; from this union five children were born.

Dody's passion for life was evident through her diverse interests and hobbies. A lover of music and singing, her voice could be heard at church and throughout the day as she worked around the house. Her love for animals was seen in her drawings and pictures and even her fun collection of stuffed animals.

An avid gardener, Dody took pride in her beautiful garden, a testament to her patience and dedication. Traveling was another joy for Dody, seeking adventures throughout the United States, Colorado being one of her favorites and Europe, living in Holland for two years. With each journey, she made notes on the best places to visit and took thousands of pictures that she shared with friends and family.

Christmas was a special time for Dody, as she adorned her home with festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere for family and friends. Each ornament had a story and her Christmas trees and home were beautifully decorated.

Her creativity could be found in everything she did. Her photography, her writing, her coloring, her drawings, and especially in her counted cross-stitch work. She would spend countless hours on each piece while she stayed up late watching TV and laughing at her favorite shows.

Dody leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and creativity. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her spirit will continue to inspire those she leaves behind, reminding us all to cherish the beauty in life and in each other.

Dody is survived by her children, Beth (Dori Meighan) Crilly, Julie (Steve) Markley, John (Amy) Crilly, and Jim (Andrea) Crilly; grandchildren, Ellen (Preston) Patillo, Spencer (Kelsey) Crilly, Laura (Trevor Hix) Markley, Evan (Michaela) Markley, Kelsey Crilly, Luke Crilly, Corbin Crilly, Michael Crilly, Delaney Crilly; great-grandchildren, Jacen Crilly, August Crilly, and Beckett Patillo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Crilly; son, David Crilly; and sister, Evelyn (Donald) Frank.

Funeral Service is 11 am, Wednesday, May 15 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 7211 Stellhorn Rd, Fort Wayne with calling one hour prior. Friends and family will be received from 4 - 7 PM, on Tuesday, May 14 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Rd, Fort Wayne. Entombment at Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Messiah Lutheran Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Crilly family.