Submitted by: Nadine Hardin
Name: Szymanski, Eleanor
Names in Obituary: Szymanski, Bronski, Kurek, Sinka, Stachowiak, Sigler, Weisman, Deasy, Outcalt, Kwiecinski, Gudates, Knefely
Eleanor Szymanski (March 9, 1915 -- April 24, 2003)
Eleanor "Ellie" Szymanski,
88, of Farrington Apartments,
Eleanor was born on
On
Eleanor is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Tim) Sigler of South Bend and Christina "Teena" (Neil) Weisman of South Bend; three grandchildren, Traci (Al) Deasy of Jacksonville, Fla., Erick Outcalt of Los Angeles, Calif., and T.J. (Penni) Sigler of
Greenwood, Ind.; two great-grandchildren, A.J. and Katherine Deasy of Jacksonville; three "Fur" grandchildren, MacGregor, Nicki and B.B. ZuZu of South Bend; five "Fur" great-grandchildren, Lucky Boy of Jacksonville, Bailey, Baxter and Mattie of Greenwood, and Socrates of Los Angeles; three sisters, Mildred Kwiecinski of South Bend, Loretta Gudates of Mishawaka, Ind., and Marlene (Harry) Knefely of South Bend.
Eleanor, "Ellie" as her friends
called her, was born in North Judson and spent her entire adult
life in the
During World War II she volunteered as a "Gray Lady" (nurse's aide) with the American Red Cross, while working a full-time job as well as giving quality time as a wife and mother. She also spent many years as a working mother, as a seamstress for Wilson Brothers during the 50s, and later went on to start her own drapery business making custom-made draperies for residential homes and commercial businesses. In later years she was employed and eventually retired from Delicatessen and Martin's Supermarket.
Ellie was a woman of many interests. She particularly loved reading, playing cards with friends, family and clubs, and entertaining herself in all sorts of games of chance. She especially enjoyed her weekly "Club" with her sisters.
She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother and friend, spending any free time she had helping and assisting others. Being a very strong, independent and loving woman, she was always available not only for her family, but for all who needed her while she still pursued her own personal goals and interests. Her high energy level was admired by all!
For much of her adult life she was known by all who knew her as the "in-house nurse." Her sound advice, skills she had acquired as a "Gray Lady" during the war, and her caring ways gave her the ability to affect and help others in a positive and nurturing way. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, which made her the type of person who found it easy to make her family's needs top priority in her life.
Being a "modern woman," ahead of her times, she was able to transfer her high integrity, moral values, independence and goal-pursuant lifestyle on to her family. For her daughters and grandchildren, she became an avid supporter, always encouraging them to pursue their interests, special abilities, and to continue to achieve their goals throughout their lives.
Ellie lived as a woman of unceasing energy with great skills of leadership, varied interests, diverse talents, and great love and devotion to family and friends. She was and is deeply loved by all. She will not only be truly missed by those who survive her, but she will continue to go on affecting the lives of all whom she touched.
Thank you Ellie for you legacy of Love!
Mass will be celebrated in her memory at
The Hahn Funeral Home,
Contributions in her name may be made to
Hospice of St. Joseph County,