By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

INDIAN HILL - Mardee Dinerman Wachs befriended and assisted several deaf students when she was a student at Withrow High School.

That inspired her to make a career in aiding the deaf.

Mrs. Wachs, a board member of the Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati, died Saturday at Hospice of Cincinnati after a five-year fight against cancer. The Indian Hill resident was 65.

She "became a source of inspiration to all her friends who witnessed her strength and positive attitude throughout her illness," said Gary, her husband of 41 years.

"Mardee combined energy, determination and a sense of humor in everything she accomplished. She was considerate and treated everyone the same."

Mrs. Wachs was elected the first woman president of the Withrow High School band in 1954 and was head drum majorette.

After graduating in 1960 from Miami University - where she was the featured drum majorette - she was awarded a two-year scholarship to Smith College in Northampton, Mass. From there she received a master's degree in deaf education.

Mrs. Wachs was a member of the Junior League of Cincinnati and a tennis player. She also enjoyed cooking.

"Mardee had many interests, but none greater than her family," her husband said.

In addition to her husband, survivors include two daughters, Lori Jurgensen of Indian Hill and Lisa Wachs of Hyde Park; a son, Stephen Wachs also of Hyde Park; a sister, Janice Feldkamp of Anderson Township; and seven grandchildren.

Burial is private at Rest Haven Cemetery, Evendale.

Memorials: Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati, 2825 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45219.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com