Submitted by: Dan Rich

Dolly Martinczak

May 10, 1928 - Aug. 31, 2007

South Bend Tribune 9/3/2007

SOUTH BEND -- Dolly Martinczak, 79, of South Bend, died on August 31, 2007, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Dolly was born on May 10, 1928, in South Bend, to the late William and Crissy (Kandaris) Kalman. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Mike, Andy, Pete, and George; and a sister, Anne.

On January 20, 1951, in South Bend, she married Richard Martinczak. He survives, along with their two sons, Gordon (Rebecca) Martinczak and Mike (Kathy) Martinczak, both of South Bend; five grandchildren, Kelly, Paul, Rich, Kimberly, and Kevin Martinczak, all of South Bend; and a sister, Iris Apostal of Fairport, NY.

She retired in 2007 from St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, where she was a switchboard operator.

Dolly was a gentle soul and a nurturer to her loved ones. In times of need, Dolly was there to comfort, advise, and console. No matter the circumstance, she put the needs of others before her own and cherished her family and friends above all else. Dolly could make an ordinary day special and nothing was more special than holidays at her house. Dolly was the ultimate caregiver. She loved animals, was a beloved role model for her children and grandchildren and a devoted wife of 57 years. We love you, Yai-Yai. You will be missed.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 5, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Parish National Catholic Church, 1601 W. Sample, South Bend, IN 46619 or Pet Refuge, Inc., 2300 W. 6th St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.