Mary Eleanor Dierstein

Mary E. Dierstein passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 28, 2014, surrounded by her friends. Born February 22, 1934, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Eleanor and Roy Dierstein, both deceased. Mary graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1952, St. Francis College in 1956 and received her Master’s degree from Ball State University. Her professional life was spent teaching art in the DeKalb Public school system, Washington Township, New Haven Middle School and Snider High School. When Snider was built, she organized and set up the art department, where she taught for the next twenty-eight years. After her retirement, she taught photography in the Women’s Studies program at IPFW. Mary worked in oil, acrylic, silver and photography. She even made a sculpture out of steel, just to see if she could do it. As a teacher she believed every student had some artistic talent and she was happy to help them develop their special talent and share in their surprise. She still talked of many of her students and the projects they had created many years ago. Mary traveled a lot, especially to her beloved Ireland and was a fervent supporter of Indiana University sports. Lunches were still being shared with friends from her high school days. Every Friday, she met with the TGIF group of Snider retired teachers—which has been meeting for many years. Surviving are her oldest friends, Joyce Goggin and Rita Voors. Neighbors who have helped her over the years, Richard Ostheimer, Rodney and Marilyn Greusbeck, Ray Wanley and especially Deb Stachowiecz and Kristen Brouwer, who devoted the past year taking care of her needs. She also leaves behind her well-loved little Welsh Terrier, Ladybug. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hockemeyer and Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road. Memorials to the Fort Wayne S.P.C.A. 4914 S. Hanna St.