Dorothy J. Langenderfer

Dorothy Josephine (Perz) Langenderfer, 89, of Toledo, a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and friend passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Dorothy was born on May 15, 1932, in Toledo, to Joseph and Marie Perz. Dorothy graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1950, and earned an associate's degree from Mary Manse College. Dorothy worked at Kaiser Jeep as an Executive Assistant for 19 years. After becoming a mother, she worked for 32 years as an Associate Development Director for the Catholic Diocese of Toledo. Dorothy married Gerald Joseph Langenderfer on May 21, 1960. After Jerry retired from the Toledo Police Department and became a Deacon, he went to Ottawa, Canada to study canon law. All the while, Dorothy held down the fort at her beloved Beverly Drive home. Gerald preceded her in death on May 23, 1989. Despite growing up in the Depression Era, Dorothy was nevertheless generous, giving, and sharing with everyone she met. Dorothy was a devout Catholic, attended daily morning Mass, faithfully prayed the Rosary, and lived out her deep faith in sharing her time, talents, and treasure with all. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends on her beloved back porch and serving them food. She loved gardening, mowing the lawn, and cleaning the gutters. She enjoyed chasing unwelcomed cats and chipmunks out of her yard; one or two may have even felt the spray of her garden hose. She loved shopping for a good deal on the clearance rack. While working for Jeep, she was proud to bring home a different car every weekend for brother to drive. After retirement, she continued to do the work of a Deacon's wife by volunteering at UTMC and St. Luke's Hospital distributing Holy Communion and visiting the sick. She also volunteered as an usher at the Stranahan and enjoyed the theater and opera. Surviving Dorothy are her son, Joseph (Catherine) Langenderfer, Raleigh, NC; daughter, Therese (Tom) Merchant, Maumee, OH; brother, Joseph (Sally) Perz, Toledo, OH; sister, Louise Little, Englewood, FL; grandchildren, Nicholas Langenderfer, Zachary Langenderfer, Matthew Langenderfer, Thomas Merchant, Grace Merchant, Mary Merchant, and John Merchant; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Rigoulot. Visitation will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee on Friday, June 4, 2021, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Fr. Eric Schild and Fr. Jim Halleron officiating. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer a memorial tribute are asked to consider Central Catholic High School, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Please view the online guest registry at CoyleFuenralHome.com.

Dorothy J. Langenderfer

May 15, 1932 - May 29, 2021