Submitted by: Dan Rich

Martha M. Kowalski

Nov. 17, 1915 - Jan. 22, 2008

South Bend Tribune 1/24/2008
MISHAWAKA - Martha M. Kowalski, 92, of Fort Wayne, formerly of Mishawaka, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 22nd, in Kingston Assisted Living, Fort Wayne, IN. On November 17, 1915, in East Moline, IL, Martha was born as the daughter of Frank and Irma (Deschryver) DeBel. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Van Bruaene; a brother, Richard DeBel; a grandson, Matthew Kowalski; and an infant daughter, Peggy Jean Kowalski.

On June 12, 1948, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka, as the former Martha DeBel, she married Frank J. Kowalski, who preceded her in death on April 21, 1982. Surviving Martha are her daughter, Lori (Richard) Ross of Fort Wayne; a son, Thomas (Susan) Kowalski of Mishawaka; and five grandchildren, Patrick, Adam and Ricky Ross, all of Fort Wayne, and Justin and Frances Kowalski of Mishawaka. Martha worked for First National Bank in Mishawaka for over 20 years before she retired in 1975. She was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church and the BK Ladies Auxiliary.

Visitation for Martha will be held on Friday, Jan. 25, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Contributions in memory of Martha may be made to Alzheimer's Services of Northern Indiana, 922 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend, IN 46617.