Dorothy "Dottie" Kathryn VanParis

June 15, 1928 ~ January 18, 2026 (age 97)

Dorothy “Dottie” Kathryn VanParis, 97, died on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Dottie was born on June 15, 1928, daughter of John and Mary Tschida, who are deceased.

On October 6, 1951, she married August VanParis, who is deceased. Augie and Dottie were married at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on South Taylor Street in South Bend.

Surviving is a son, Thomas L, daughter-in-law, Cheryl are from Indianapolis and grandson, Darren from Columbus, OH and many nieces and nephews. Another son, Larry preceded her in death. She is also preceded by her sister, Marge Wartha, brothers, Arthur, George and William Tschida and sisters-in-law, Pauline, Helen and Joan Tschida.

Dottie was a graduate of Washington High School, Class of 1946. After graduating, she held office jobs at Ketchen Brothers Insurance and Armco Metal Products.

In 1970, Dottie began her career at the University of Notre Dame with the Athletic Department, and then as Administrative Assistant to Digger Phelps, Head Basketball Coach. After 23 years of service, she retired from the University and continued to use her secretarial skills throughout her entire life by volunteering in many areas throughout the community.

As a Mom, she was involved with church and school activities while her boys were growing up. She volunteered her time to do the office work for the parish and also to be involved with the fund-raising activities. Later, the position at Notre Dame totally absorbed her time, but is was a position that she truly loved.

Dottie was a lifelong member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church having attended grade school there. She is currently a member of St. Jude’s Parish, the Altar & Rosary Societies at both churches.

Hobbies and passion…Baking desserts, especially pies, and then giving them away…

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, with a Rosary at 6:30PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM, in St. Jude Catholic Church, South Bend, with a visitation 1 hour prior in the church. A private burial will take place on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Village-Notre Dame, 54515 State Hwy 933, Notre Dame, IN 46556.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy "Dottie" K. VanParis, please visit our floral store.

Services

Visitation

Friday
January 23, 2026
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hahn Funeral Home
505 W 8th Street
Mishawaka, IN 46544

Rosary

Friday
January 23, 2026 6:30 PM
Hahn Funeral Home
505 W 8th Street
Mishawaka, IN 46544

Visitation

Saturday
January 24, 2026
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
St. Jude Catholic Church
19704 Johnson Rd
South Bend, Indiana 46614

Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday
January 24, 2026
11:00 AM
St. Jude Catholic Church
19704 Johnson Rd
South Bend, Indiana 46614

Donations

Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame
Notre Dame IN 46556
Tel: 1-574-287-1838
Web: https://holycrossvillage.com/donate/

Added 01/19/2026 2010 GMS

https://www.hahnfuneralhomes.com/obituary/DorothyDottie-VanParis