Harriet Mae (Dean) Mochel

Harriet Mae (Dean) Mochel was born on October 28, 1931, in South Bend, Indiana, to Ezra and Mildred (Moore) Dean.  She passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023, in her home surrounded by family.  On July 15, 1950, Harriet married Richard E. Mochel and the couple celebrated 65 years together before he passed away in August 2015.  Harriet is survived by 4 daughters, Darlene (Ken) Garrett and Jill (Rob) Wilson both of Bremen, Indiana, Gail Highley of Dublin, Ohio, and Sherry (Bob) Albaugh of Middlebury, Indiana; 8 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by sisters, Fran Richards, Shelby Fell, Nancie Stallter; brother, Jay; and half-brother, Bob.  Harriet was especially close to her paternal grandparents, Harriet and Jay Dean.

Harriet moved to Woodland, Indiana upon her marriage and became a member of St. John United Church of Christ.  She enjoyed living in the country, and the couple shared many fond memories over the years with family and friends.  Harriet was by Richard's side when he served as Trustee of Madison Township and when he played trumpet for the Pete Freehauf Band.  On family birthdays, she would call and sing Happy Birthday while Richard played his trumpet in the background.   Both Nana and Bompa will be greatly missed.

Harriet will also be missed by the many people who traveled along Bremen Highway watching for the dolls in the window.  Known as "The Doll Lady", Harriet dressed the dolls in holiday costumes waving flags or holding Easter baskets.  She would enjoy watching passers-by stop to take pictures of the dolls, and occasionally a curious fan would come to her door and ask about the story of the dolls.        

The family wishes to thank the many friends, neighbors, and Hospice for their visits and support.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 20, at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka.  Services will be at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior, on Friday, April 21, at St. John United Church of Christ, Woodland, with Rev. Mark Roeda officiating.  The burial will be in the church cemetery following the service. 

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. John United Church of Christ Cemetery Fund, PO Box 35, Wyatt, Indiana 46595, or Ronald McDonald House (RMHC), 610 N. Michigan St., Ste 310, South Bend, Indiana 46601.

To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com or Hahn Funeral Home Facebook page.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harriet Mae (Dean) Mochel, please visit our floral store.