Submitted by: John C. Monk

 

Monica M. Peak

Aug. 7, 1919 - April 29, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Mrs. Monica Marie (Torzewski) Peak, 90, of South Bend, passed away on Thursday at 7:19 p.m. in Healthwin Specialized Care. Monica was born in South Bend on August 7, 1919, to Stanley and Bernice "Busia" (Grzezinski) Torzewski. She received both a Bachelor's and Master's in Education from St. Mary's College. Later she would serve as the president of the St. Mary's College Alumni Association. Monica was a Junior High Math Teacher at both Christ the King and St. Patrick Schools, where she was well-loved by her students over the years and often recognized by them wherever she went. On December 31, 1948, she married Judge J. Elmer Peak, who passed away on April 3, 1960, in South Bend. She was a member of St. Patrick's Parish where she was a Eucharistic Minister. She loved gardening, traveled the world with her family, was an avid reader, was involved in politics, and supported many charities. Surviving Monica are a daughter, Deborah (Kent Ball) Peak of Danville, CA; a son, John E. (Lise) Peak II of South Barrington, IL; two brothers, Modest Torzewski and Jerome Torzewski, both of South Bend; and her eight grandchildren, Stephanie, Christopher, Timothy and Emily Metz; Justin and Courtney Ball and John E., III "Jack" and Katherine Peak. She was predeceased by two daughters, Francine (Robert) Metz of Princeton, NJ, and Victoria Peak; two brothers, Daniel Torzewski and Alvin Torzewski; and a sister, Virginia Szymczak. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 8th, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Taylor St. at Western Ave., with Rev. Leonard Chrobot, pastor, officiating. Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the McGann Hay Funeral Homes, University Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Road near Ironwood, where there will be a parish wake service at 6:30 p.m. Entombment will follow in Highland Mausoleum. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society
, Greater Midwest Affiliate, Memorials and Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674. To send condolences to the family or for directions log on to www. McGannHay.com.


Published in South Bend Tribune on May 2, 2010