Dorothy "Dot" Fendler

Born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1924, Dorothy “Dot” Fendler died on June 15, 2012 after a long illness. The daughter of Sam and Linnie Erwin, she was the last surviving of three sisters Wanda Erwin Eckenrod and Virginia Erwin Hubble.

Dot graduated from the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Marketing Degree and played Ladies Basketball. Dot was recruited by Rich’s Department Store and moved to Atlanta in 1949 as a buyer for Rich’s Children’s department. Shortly after moving to Atlanta, she met and married the late R.E. Fendler of Blytheville, Arkansas.

“Mom had a great number of interests,” says her daughter Viviane. Dot loved traveling throughout the World; enjoying safaris, river rafting and exploring other cultures. Her enthusiasm for travel was apparent in that she started and co-owned Fendler-Fuller-Ward Travel Agency. Her son Alan says “At last count, Dot traveled to 30+ countries and every continent other than Antarctica. Mom had a trip scheduled to Antarctica but became ill and was unable to complete the trip.”

Dot also talked about her love for Atlanta and raising a family here. Her son Jeff says “in the 50’s and 60’s Atlanta had the feel of a small town and Mom was always busy with many of Atlanta’s Civic and social groups”. Dot’s many interests included gardening, sewing and bridge. She was a past president of the Rose Garden Club of Atlanta, and a member of a sewing club and several bridge clubs.

Dot loved her children and grandchildren and is survived by two sons, her daughter and their families: Alan and Robin Fendler of Gainesville, Jeff and Twyla Fendler of Atlanta, and Viviane and Patrick Garner of Wellington, Florida. Dot is also survived by four grandchildren: Conley Fendler, Meredith Fendler, Michael Fendler and Scott Fendler all of Atlanta.

A funeral is planned for 2 p.m. Monday, June 18 at H. M. Patterson 173 Allen Road, Sandy Springs. Her body will be laid to rest next to her husband at Arlington Memorial Park following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice Atlanta or The American Cancer Society.