Judith Ann Mengel

Judith Ann Mengel, known affectionately as Judie or Jam by her loved ones, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 22, 2025, at the age of 64. Born on January 14, 1961, in South Bend, Indiana, Judie was a beacon of light and warmth to all who knew her. Her life was a testament to her unwavering kindness, her dedication to family, and her commitment to the well-being of others.
Judie was the cherished daughter of Marie C. (Waring) Mengel and the late D. Robert Mengel, and loved by all her siblings: Tricia (Jim) Morton, Beth Mengel, Michele (Tim) Adams, and Heidi (Jon) Emberland. She was preceded in death by her brother, D. Robert Mengel Jr. Judie's family was the cornerstone of her life, and she nurtured relationships with her sisters-in-law, Emmy Ettl and Christine Harsh, many cousins, nieces and nephews, godchildren, and friends that became like family.
On Nov. 24, 1990, she married her mailman, Victor Karczewski, often saying "Sometimes Mr. Right does come knocking at the front door." Together they had four children: First, Frankie (Allie Griffith) Karczewski, and just fifteen months later, their triplet daughters: Maggie, Rose, and Elizabeth. She loved being a mother to her four kids and was thrilled for her most recent role as "Grammy" to Frankie and Allie's son, Robert Karczewski, born June 2025.
Judie dedicated her life to the care and well-being of others, perfectly demonstrated in her career of nursing. First, as a geriatric nurse at Cardinal Nursing Home and then as a home care health provider, she provided support and love to her patients, ensuring they lived with dignity and respect. Later, as a school nurse for multiple South Bend schools, she was a trusted figure to countless students, offering not just medical assistance but also a comforting presence.
A proud 1979 John Adams High School graduate - where all her children also graduated - she loved supporting the school community, especially cheering on the Eagles at Frankie's football games both while he was a player and eventually as Head Coach. A lifelong South Bend resident, she couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Judie joined in parades and protests to uplift and encourage her community, and humbly served others as her daughters' Girl Scout Leader, founder of a local triplet connection group, and coordinating Northshore Triangle neighborhood gatherings and traditions for over 30 years. From providing meals to strangers and friends alike in hard times, to simply keeping an open door to her home for comfort and a listening ear, Judie was a source of strength and inspiration, and her legacy of kindness and service will forever influence those who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Palmer Funeral Homes – Welsheimer North Chapel from 2 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. During this time, there will be a Rosary Service at 5:30 p.m. and a Nurses Honor Guard at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at St. Thérèse, Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 North Ironwood Road, South Bend, Indiana 46635.
Palmer Funeral Homes – Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
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