Mary Helen Waechter

Mary Helen Waechter, 87, died Tuesday, December 5 at the Hospice Solace Center. Mrs. Waechter was born in Calhoun, Ga., and was the daughter of the late Jule C. and Helene Gelissen Neal. She attended the University of Georgia’s Pharmacy School and remained a loyal fan of the Georgia Bulldogs for the remainder of her life. While working in her father’s Drug Store, she met and married George C. Waechter, Sr., who died in 1983. The Waechter’s made their home in Asheville shortly after marriage and raised their children here. She taught school at Asheville Catholic High School. Being a strong supporter of education, she organized and participated in many fundraising projects at St. Joan of Arc and Asheville Catholic High Schools. In 1968, during her son’s tour of duty in Korea, she was made aware of the need for blankets and warm clothes for Korean orphans. Mrs. Waechter organized a blanket drive and with the help of Congressman Roy Taylor, thousands of blankets were shipped to the orphanages. Being active in her community, she volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Mission Hospital. In later years, she joined her husband in the operation of Waechter’s Silk Shop, from which they both retired in 1981. The Silk Shop remains in operation under new ownership, but still carries the Waechter name as a hallmark of fine fabrics. Mrs. Waechter attended St. Eugene’s Catholic Church where she was a member of the Women’s Guild. She was an avid bridge player and was a member of the Chatmore Club and the Harvest House Bridge Club. Surviving is her daughter, Becky Dosier and her husband, Frank, of Asheville; a son, George C. Waechter, Jr. and his partner, Linda Faulk of Hendersonville; five grandchildren, David Waechter and his wife, Debbie, of Lenoir, Joe Waechter of New York City, Steven Waechter of Los Angeles, CA, and Michael and Keary Dosier, both of Raleigh; and two great grandchildren, Madeline and Benjamin Waechter. She is preceded in death by two sisters, Reine Johnson and Elsanne Lam and one brother, Dr. Jule C. Neal, Jr. A brief prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. The family will welcome friends. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Eugene’s Catholic Church to commemorate the life of Mrs. Waechter. The Rev. John Schneider and Deacon Michael Zyboyovski will be officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception in the social hall following the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Asheville Catholic School, 12 Culvern St. Asheville, NC 28804 or to Hospice Carepartners Solace Center, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.