Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Elizabeth Lanchsweerdt

July 2, 1918 - Jan. 11, 2008

 

South Bend Tribune 1/13/2008
SOUTH BEND - Elizabeth "Betty" Lanchsweerdt, 89 of South Bend, passed away Friday, January 11, 2008, in Regency Place. Elizabeth was born on July 2, 1918, in South Bend, as the daughter of Anton and Elizabeth (Pinter) Sayer. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Marge, Rose and Irene; and six brothers, Alex, Tony, John, Steve, Louie and Eddy. Betty was two years old when her father died and was raised by her stepfather, Vincent Gerencer until his death.

 

On May 25, 1940, in Our Lady of Hungry, South Bend as the former Elizabeth Sayer, she married Alphonse Lanchsweerdt, who preceded her in death on January 24, 2000. Surviving are a daughter, Pat Kwiatkowski of South Bend; a son, Ron (Bernadine) of North Liberty; three grandchildren, Tim (Judy) and Todd Kwiatkowski and Laurie (David) Villenueva; five great-grandchildren, Brittany, Michael and Heather Villenueva, Hayli and Sarah Kiwatkowski.

 

Betty worked at Ball Band in the Shoe room, for Wilson Brothers, for A&P Grocery store and was a crossing guard at St. Adelbert's. She loved playing BINGO, dancing, bowling, and music. Most of all, she loved being with her grandchildren and having family get-togethers. She was a member of the DAV #39 Ladies Auxiliary, William Penn Club and Eagles Bowling League where she was Captain.

 

Family and friends may visit from 3 to 8 on Monday, January 14, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, where the holy Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 15 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, South Bend, with Rev. Leonard Chrobot officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made in Betty's name to; Diabetes Association of St. Joseph County, United Health Services, 711 E Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 or to Southern Care, 310 W. McKinley, Suite 340 Mishawaka, IN 46545.