Mary Ann Jackowiak

Mary Ann Jackowiak, 87, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024. She was born on October 1, 1937 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Elgin and Bernadine (Sopczynski) Lesniewicz. On April 4, 1959 she married Matthew Jackowiak who preceded her in death on April 4, 2022. Mary Ann is survived by four children, Linda (Kevin) Kloentrup of Florence, Kentucky, Lori (James) Finefrock of Fishers, Indiana, Michael (Sara) Jackowiak of Elkhart, Indiana and Lisa Jackowiak of South Bend, Indiana, seven grandchildren, Sarah (Doug) Camm, Maggie (Derek) Martak, Maddi (Vincent) Hanes, Ryan Jackowiak, Kaitlyn Finefrock, Danielle Finefrock and Samuel Finefrock and one great grandchild, Evelyn Camm. Mary Ann was also preceded in death by one sister Patricia Ryback.
Mary Ann worked for X- Ray Consultants, Inc. for twenty-three years handling insurance claims. She retired in March 2001. Mary Ann was a dedicated and devoted wife, mother and grandmother making her family a top priority and always putting her family's needs and wants before her own. She was unequaled; while she was a stay-at-home mom and as a working mom, she never missed an opportunity to attend all her children's and at times grandchildren's school and sporting events. When the day was done there was always a fresh hot meal on the table. Mom made it all look so easy but we knew the self-sacrifice she made to do it all with grace. Mary Ann was a devout Catholic; her faith was always a top priority growing up in St. Adalbert's Parish. Mary Ann and her husband of sixty-three years were longtime members of Holy Family Catholic Church. Mary Ann was an avid sports fan cheering on her favorite teams the Chicago Cubs (when they win) and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football. When Mary Ann retired, she took up golf which became a true love for her and garnered her recognition for her achievements when she hit a couple hole in ones. Mary Ann was proud of her Polish heritage celebrating Dyngus Day, making traditional polish coffee cakes using her grandmothers 100-year-old recipe and making Polish Sausage with her family. She was a one-of-a-kind cook and excellent at laying out a traditional Polish dinner. Mom had an unassuming selfless personality, that endeared her to her family and community. She had a kind loving nature and remained humble, never complaining about her needs and wants though powerful in her resolve. She leaves a legacy of self-determination and being a very strong woman. Mary Ann always had a smile on her face especially when playing Canasta (Polish Card Game) and gambling at the Casino. Our hearts are broken and we will miss her greatly. Life will not be the same without her. We are comforted to know that she is now in the arms of her loving husband forevermore.
A visitation for Mary Ann will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. A rosary will be prayed at 4:00 pm in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:00 am on Monday January 6, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will take place at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church in Mary Ann's honor.
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