Marian R. Wendowski

Feb. 1, 1928 - Nov. 10, 2012
SOUTH BEND - Marian R. Wendowski, 84, died early Saturday, November 10th, from a sudden stroke at Memorial Hospital. She was born February 1, 1928, and lived in this area most of her life. On June 16, 1951, as Marian Leniski, she married Modest "Bull" Wendowski. She is survived by daughters, Laura Wendowski of Arizona, Denise (Robert) Blanche and Melanie (Stephen) Adams of South Bend; sons, Gregory (Kim) of Osceola, Phillip (Susan) and Matthew of South Bend; grandchildren, Sarah (Ryan) Van Hooser, Emily Blanche, Kyle, Kelin, and Kory Adams, Heather (Larry) Crull, Samantha (Ross) Maxwell, Elizabeth (David) Ruiz, Melissa (Mark) Trivett, Anna Wendowski, Paige, Destiny, Sydney, Hannah and Brianna Wendowski; a very special aunt, Anne Wukovits of Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Donna Leniski; half sisters, Jolene and Johnell; half brothers, Christopher and Jason; and step-siblings, Myrna, Pheobe and Chad. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Ryland and Spencer Van Hooser, Carmen, Chloe and Brayden Crull, Kodey, Jakob, Charlie, Tony, Sheridan, LilyAnn, and Delylah Maxwell, and Delanie Trivett; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Her parents preceded her in death along with husband, Modest, daughter, Eileen Sternicki, and brother, Clem Leniski. She was a 1945 graduate of Mishawaka High School and earned an Associate degree from the South Bend College of Commerce. In addition to being a caregiver, Mary Kay Consultant, and a past President of Erskine 9 Hole Golf League, she was a founder of the St. Matthew's Ladies Golf League. She had been an active member of both leagues. She was a member of the Elks Ladies Bowling League and the Friday afternoon Chippewa Bowling group. A performer with the Palace Theatre Vaudeville Group, she had a passion for dancing, cooking, gardening, and just loved life to the fullest! Most importantly, she cherished time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her faith was extremely important to her and she was an active member of the Cathedral of St. Matthew Parish for over 50 years. She had a passion for Catholic education and through many sacrifices sent all seven children to St. Matthew Grade School and Marian High School. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 16, at Kaniewski Funeral Home, with a Rosary and prayer service at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Cathedral of St. Matthew on Saturday, November 17, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bishop Crowley Educational Fund or St. Vincent de Paul Society at the Cathedral of St. Matthew. The family wishes to thank Doctors Ebonee Davis, Imraan Ansaarie, Thomas Poulin and Paula Toth-Russell and the 7th Floor nursing staff of Memorial Hospital for the compassionate care their Mother received...we are forever grateful to you.