Frieda Irene Kucela

1927 - 2021

Frieda Irene Kucela, 94, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on Dec. 23, 2021, at Southfield Village in South Bend, Indiana. 

Born on June 9, 1927, to Floyd Arthur "Artie" and Wilhelmina "Minnie" (Zahner) Shirk, Frieda grew up on their farm in St. Joseph County, Indiana. As a child, she tended the cows in the pasture, which began her lifelong love of animals and the great outdoors. She attended Boner School, where she graduated early by using her older sister's school books to study ahead. She then attended Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana, where she graduated in 1944.

After high school, she worked at McClellan's Dime Store, Barger Box, Uniroyal, CTS and Whitehall, where she retired.

An avid reader, Frieda read several newspapers every day, often saving articles to share with others. Her love of animals and nature meant she spent much of her time working in her garden, tending to houseplants, caring for her cats, or simply sitting on her back step watching the birds and squirrels. A gentle and soft-spoken person, Frieda always had a calming effect on those around her.

Frieda was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Wilma Marie Costa, her daughter, Sharon Irene Kucela, her stepsons Richard Kucela, Jr. and Stephen Kucela, and grandson Todd Kucela.

Frieda is survived by her children; John (Gloria) Kucela, and Darlene (Tom) Angel; her daughter-in-law Lynn (George) Kucela, her grandchildren; Scott (Cheri) Kucela, Stephen (Nicki) Kucala Jr, Kimberly Ward, Justin Gingerich, Melanie (Caine) Espinoza, Allison, Derek, and Christine Angel, Claire and Dominic Kucela; and her great-grandchildren Lincoln and Felix Espinoza. She is also survived by countless other relatives; Frieda was matriarch to a vast family, known by many as "Aunt Frieda" and "Grandma Kucela." She will be greatly missed by all.

Frieda's family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Southfield Village and Center for Hospice for the loving care and attention they have provided over the past few months. They also wish to thank her neighbors in Elkhart, the Gonzalez and Garrelt families, for watching out for her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Here Kitty Kitty Rescue in Elkhart, Indiana.

A funeral service will take place at Billings Funeral Home at noon on Saturday, Jan. 8. Visitation will take place for one hour prior to the service. Masks will be required at the service and inside the funeral home.

Billings Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.