Ruth G. Sparazynski

1926 - 2017

Ruth G. Sparazynski

Sept. 20, 1926 - Feb. 02, 2017

SOUTH BEND - Ruth G. Sparazynski, 90, of South Bend, IN passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2017, at the Dujarie House, Notre Dame IN. Ruth was born September 20, 1926 to Michael and Catherine (Tafelski) Burzynski. Ruth was a lifelong resident of South Bend and attended Washington High School. Ruth married Stanley (Sparky) Sparazynski on August 30, 1947 in South Bend where they made their lifelong home.

After working multiple jobs Ruth ultimately settled in at Raco in August of 1954 where she then continued to work until February of 1989. She made many close friends and special relationships while working there, most notably with her “adoptive” daughter, Vicki Higginbotham, whom she loved and kept in touch with until her final days.

Ruth was an extra-ordinary person who left an impression on everyone she met. After 69 years of love and devotion to Sparky she went to join him just 80 days after his passing. She was also a proud Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother desiring to leave only a legacy of love behind to those she left. Her selfless care for others knew no bounds but always brought herself forward with honesty and candor that commanded respect.

Ruth was a life-long Notre Dame fan and enjoyed euchre, dancing polkas and making kieflies every Christmas with Sparky. Beyond that she was known for having many fun filled parties for various occasions in her basement which was always filled with poker, flavored liquor celebratory shots and hours of laughter from family and friends. One of her very favorite gifts to receive were flowers and on any occasion her house could be found filled with beautiful bouquets because she famously said over her lifetime “Don't send me flowers when I'm dead, I want to enjoy them while I am alive”

Ruth's surviving family includes, her daughter Nancy Trippel of South Bend; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Wayne) Gunn of California, Chris (Jamie) Trippel of Utah and Meredith (Donny) Delp of Georgia; and four great-grandchildren, Carter and Caroline Delp, and twins Cohen and Chloe Trippel. Ruth also left behind numerous nieces and nephews along with her Sister-in-law, Dorothy Burzynski. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Sparky who died 11/15/2016, her brothers Frank, Zygmund and Ernest Burzynski and sisters Gladys Dabros, Helen Skowronski, Irene Ganus and Martha Skodinski.

Visitation will take place from 2:00-6:00 pm Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N Bendix Dr, and one hour before the service on Monday, February 6, 2017. A Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 pm Sunday. A celebration of Ruth's life will be Monday at 10:00 am in the chapel of Kaniewski Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Ruth's memory made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 501 Comfort PL, Mishawaka IN 46545.

The family extends gratitude and thanks to the staff of Dujarie house and The Center for Hospice Care. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com