Submited by: John C. Monk

Esther B. Olejniczak

June 29, 1923 - April 24, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Esther B. Olejniczak, 86, passed away at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2010, in her residence. Esther was born on June 29, 1923, in South Bend, to the late Frank and Bertha (Jablonski) Ferger. On April 27, 1946, she married Edmund Olejniczak in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church; he preceded her in death in December 1979. She was also preceded in death by her four brothers, Edward, Benjamin, Casimir and Ervin, and by her two sisters, Rose and Tecla. Esther is survived by her daughter, Linda (Robert) Shedlock of Towson, MD; granddaughter, Dr. Jessica Shedlock (John) Brunnett of Towson, MD; and by her great-grandchild, Grady Brunnett. Esther worked for many years at Torrington doing a variety of jobs. She enjoyed baking, especially pierogi and kiebasa. She also liked to travel and was a very devoted grandmother. Known to almost everyone as "Busia," the endearing Polish term for "Grandma," Esther had a vast network of relatives and friends. They were all part of what she considered her extended family. She spent a good bit of her time with her daughter's family in Baltimore, MD, and traveled all over North America with them on summer vacations from Alaska to the Grand Canyon, and from Nova Scotia to Key West. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed fine food and fine wine. Of her many nieces and nephews whom she loved, Irvin Sikorski and Helen Bruce were her helping hands here in South Bend. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. today, April 28, 2010, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, where a Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on April 29, 2010, in Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Operation Smile, 6435 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA 23509. For those who are unable to attend the funeral Mass, condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.