Nov. 18, 1953 - May 2, 2010SOUTH BEND - Doretta L. Burkhart, 56, passed away at 10:21 a.m. on Sunday, May 2, 2010, in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Doretta was born on November 18, 1953, in South Bend, to John M. and Dolores (Thompson) McDonald. On September 17, 1988, she married Vincent Burkhart, who survives along with her two sons, John (Sandra Berkey) Hersom of Mishawaka and Dan (Roxanne Thomas) Hersom of New Carlisle; three grandchildren, Reshai Hersom, Travis and Alexis; two sisters, Kathy (James) Nova of LaPorte and Karen McDonald of South Bend; and by her brother, John R. McDonald of New Carlisle. She is also survived by her nieces, Krystal Szalay and Tiffany Parker, and by a nephew, Jeremiah McDonald. Doretta graduated from Washington High School in 1971 and was the Office Manager for Hoosier Molded Products. She enjoyed gardening, watching Minnesota Viking football and Chicago White Sox baseball with Vince. She enjoyed raising Bassett Hounds with Vince. Doretta was a former swimmer for Michiana Marlins and was a Red Cross swimming instructor. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2010, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2010, in Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. For those who are unable to attend the funeral Mass, condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.