Dorothy H. (Fern) Kowalski

Dorothy (Fern) Kowalski went home to the loving arms of Jesus on February 13, 2021 at the age of 97. Dorothy was born to Wilbur and Bertha Wagner in Fremont, OH, but spent most of her life in South Toledo where she graduated in 1941 from Libbey High School.

As a young girl she loved playing softball with the neighborhood kids, but her real passion was music. At 11 years old, Dorothy began taking piano lessons and became a talented musician. Though she was classically trained, through the years she developed her own style. God gave Dorothy a special gift which she shared with her community through school and church. Later she became a pianist in a dance band which she enjoyed for 16 years. During her last years, she entertained residents at Ohio Living Swan Creek where she made her home.

On August 4, 1945, Dorothy H. Wagner married Navy Ensign Robert W. Fern at Salem Church in South Toledo. They met as teens when his family moved next door. "Dotty" and Bob built a family together raising two daughters. The family enjoyed boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Dotty learned to enjoy fishing to please her husband, as he was an avid fisherman.

Dorothy, Bob and their girls were active members of Faith Community United Church of Christ where Dorothy played the piano, taught Sunday School, and was a Youth Group leader with her husband. Dorothy was a member of Faith Community for 60 years. Bob and Dorothy were married for almost 30 years, when he became ill and passed away in 1975.

Dorothy stayed active and enjoyed going on Senior bus trips. There she met Joseph Kowalski who became the second love of her life. They married on November 11, 1988. The happy couple spent their golden years traveling, dancing, and were the oldest couple in their water aerobics class. They had been married for almost 27 years when Joe went to Heaven. Dorothy always said she was greatly blessed with two wonderful husbands who she loved dearly.

Dorothy had a strong faith which she lived out by loving and caring for others.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Jana (Bill) Harrison and Patricia Ellen Hairston; granddaughters, Rachel Harrison and Lisa (Rob) Drouhard. In addition to both husbands, Dorothy was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Wagner.

The family will receive guests Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer - SW Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419-381-1900). Funeral Services will be private. Dorothy will be buried next to husband Bob at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Community Church or Ohio Living Swan Creek in Dorothy's memory.

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