Vera Mae Dulin

VERA MAE (HILGEMANN) HATHAWAY DULIN died Thursday, April 3, 2014. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, avid flower gardener and naturalist. Born May 12, 1919, in Fort Wayne, she was a daughter of Judge Harry Hilgemann and Minnie Horn Hilgemann. Vera graduated from South Side High School in 1937, and from Northwestern University in 1941 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. At Northwestern, Vera met Gene Hathaway whom she married in 1940. In 1943 their daughter, Carol Ann, was born. In April of 1945, Vera received a telegram that Gene had been killed in World War II active duty. In 1947, Vera married Frank Dulin of Fort Wayne. They had two children, Dianne and Gary. Vera’s and Frank’s common love of gardening, backpacking, camping, yoga, international travel, and volunteering kept them physically fit and deeply connected to the earth and their community. Vera was instrumental in the development of Fox Island County Park and Nature Preserve and the Fox Island Alliance. She served on the Fox Island Alliance Board and as Fox Island Historian until 2012. As Trail Guide Chair for over 20 years, she helped thousands of children discover the wonders of nature. Vera was an 82 year member of Plymouth Congregational Church and active in philanthropic organizations PEO (AB), and Psi Iota Xi (Pi). She served on the boards of the Allen County Public Library and Little Traverse Conservancy. During 56 years of marriage, Vera and Frank traveled in more than 23 countries, including backpacking in New Zealand, sailing on a steamer to South America, and canoeing in the Canadian wilderness. Her favorite place was closer to home: Beaver Island, Mich. Vera never lost her mental acuity, clever wit, and courage. She was teaching Scrabble opponents new words only weeks ago. She lived her last days with grace and dignity and died peacefully in her sleep, one month before her 95th birthday. Surviving are three children, Carol (Randy) Roberts of Fort Wayne, Dianne (Dean) Craft of Vero Beach, Fla. and Gary Dulin of Valparaiso, Ind.; eight grandchildren, Kirsten, Michelle, Eric, Peter, Ryan, Brant, Isaac, and Anja; four great-grandchildren, Zachary, Ethan, Cassidy and Sean. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank, in 2003. A Celebration of Life service is 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Plymouth Congregational Church, with visitation from 2 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: acreslandtrust.org, foxislandalliance.org, or plymouthfw.org