Esther J (Zielewski) Niespodziany

Esther J. Niespodziany, 74 years old, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Esther was born on August 4, 1950 in South Bend to the late Clem & Florence (Nowacki) Zielewski.  She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Christine Lassota and Cas Zielewski.

Left to cherish the memory of Esther is her husband of 54 years, Jim Niespodziany; their children, Karen (Doug) Broadway, Jenny (James) Schultz, and Steven (Kelli) Niespodziany; grandchildren, Brandon Schultz, Joshua (Maria) Broadway, Bo Niespodziany, and Waylon Niespodziany; sister, Pauline (Cap) Doorn; and many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and cousins.

Esther attended St. Adalbert Grade School, and was a graduate of St. Joseph High School.  She worked as a receptionist at the Fatima Retreat Center for 23 years. Esther enjoyed Notre Dame Women’s Basketball, traveling, her flower gardens, and spending time with her card groups and her Fatima dinner group.

Visitation for Esther will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday, February 27, 2025 with a Rosary to be prayed at 4:00 pm all at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., South Bend, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Rd, South Bend, IN.  Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Esther Niespodziany may be made to the Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Pl, Mishawaka, IN 46544 or the Parkinson’s Awareness Association of Central Indiana, P.O. Box 19575, Indianapolis, IN 46219.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

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