Barbara A (Cieslik) Donica

Barbara Ann Donica, 85 years old, peacefully passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Brickyard Healthcare in Mishawaka.

Barbara was born on February 18, 1940 in South Bend, to the late Edward and Elizabeth (Barczykowski) Cieslik. On February 14, 1961, Barbara married the love of her life, Larry R Donica, who survives.

Along with her loving husband of 64 years, Barbara is survived by her 2 children, Theresa (Darryl) Wroblewski and David (Tina) Donica; 7 grandchildren, Jeremy (Sarah), Candace (Cory), Justin (Erin), Trevor (Jillian), Mitchell (Jenny), Aubrei (Ethan), and Hunter; 12 great-grandchildren, Alexis (Chris), Kaydence (Ryan), Jesse, JJ, Oliva, Alex, Mya, Anna, Axel, Grayson, Cohen, Bode, and one great-great-grandson, Jayce; as well as her brother, Ray Cieslik from California.

Barbara was a lifelong resident of South Bend. Back in the day, she worked at Ball Band Factory and Robertson’s Department Store before retiring as co-owner and secretary of G&H Donica Welding. In her earlier years, she loved going out dancing to the “oldies” with friends. Later in life, she found a passion for doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, playing ATARI (taking on the neighborhood kids), and watching Notre Dame games. 

There will be no services held at this time. St. Joseph Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Donations in honor of Barbara Ann Donica may be made out to the Alzheimer’s Association or Dementia Society of America. 

In lieu of donations, a tree may be planted in her memory.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara A (Cieslik) Donica, please visit our floral store.