Delores Dee Louise Lekowski, 80, of Wooster passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the Wayne County Care Center. She was born on October 9, 1941 in Valley View to Harry and Evelyn Jenks Gempel.
Dee had worked for the Fire Marshall Association and volunteered at Cleveland MetroHealth Burn Care Center and with the Shriners. She had written two books, one titled The Hurting Angels and The Power Angels, You are the Gift, which were given to people who had suffered burns. Dee was dedicated to making the world safer from fire and encouraging burn survivors of all ages. She also completed in depth research on the history of the Wayne County Home property which she contributed to the Historical Society. Dee loved garage sales and had a passion for finding many treasures.
She is survived by her three daughters, Cynthia Patterson of Wooster, Christine Schwarzmann of Vista, CA and Lisa Ballard of Cleveland; grandchildren Dyvid Patterson, Emily (Michael) Walsh, Steven Schwarzmann, Lauren (Evan Lightcap) Sanford, Leigh (Jeff Phillips) Sanford and Mackenzie Ballard; great grandson Michael MJ Walsh; former son-in-law (whom she thought of as a son) Timothy Schwarzmann of Hope Mills, NC; brother-in-law Don Hepner of Solon and several nieces and nephews.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Joann Engel, Harriet Hepner and Harry Sonny Gempel.
Visitation is from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Friday, June 17, 2022 at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 3:00 PM. Dee wished to be interred in the Wayne County Home Cemetery. The interment will be held at a later date.
Contributions may be directed in Dee s memory to MetroHealth, c/o Burn Care Center, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
Contributions may be directed in Dee s memory to MetroHealth, c/o Burn Care Center, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109.
Service
3:00 PM on Friday, June 17, 2022 at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Visitation
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Friday, June 17, 2022 at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Dee was a good friend to my mother Ialene Brown for many years. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.
Lisa, my deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
This is a difficult time. I love you guys. May she rest in peace.
Cynthia, Christine, Lisa, & families
We are so very sorry to hear of Dee’s passing, she was such a wonderful person who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. ❤️
With my deepest sympathy to Delores’ family. I had the honor of working with her many years ago when I was affiliated with the State Fire Marshals association. Delores was an amazing person and incredible advocate for burn victims, especially children. She left a wonderful legacy with “Hurting Angels” that will live on.
Cindy: so sorry to hear of your loss. Memories, both sad and happy. Thinking of you during this time of loss.