Lydia T (Vargo) Kolacz

Lydia T Kolacz, 88 years old, peacefully passed away with her family at her side on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Trailpoint Village.

Lydia was born on August 9, 1937 in South Bend, to the late Stephen and Lydia (Stuban) Vargo. On August 20, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, John Kolacz, who survives. Lydia is also preceded in death by her son, Daniel Kolacz; and brothers, Nandor Vargo and Ron Vargo.

Left to cherish the memory of Lydia is her loving husband of 70 years, John Kolacz; children, Deborah (William) Kulwicki and David (Nancy) Kolacz; grandchildren, Steve (Amanda) Kulwicki, Kevin (Stephanie) Kulwicki, Sarah Kolacz, Cindy Kolacz, and Adam Kolacz; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Ella, Alaina, and Cain; brothers, Fred (Emily "Cookie") Vargo and James Vargo; and sister-in-law, Shirley Vargo.

Lydia was a devoted member of Oak Creek Community Church, where she valued her faith deeply. She had a passion for sewing, gardening, and crafting, and she loved traveling alongside her beloved husband, John. Lydia was known for her generous spirit and warm sense of humor. Her love language was gift-giving, and no one left her home without a thoughtful token of her affection. She had a fondness for the color purple and delighted in watching Mamma Mia, her absolute favorite movie. Above all, Lydia cherished her family, who were the center of her world.

The family would like to thank the staff of Trailpoint Village and Traditions Hospice for their exceptional care of Lydia.

Visitation for Lydia will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S Mayflower Rd, South Bend.  A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 with an hour of visitation starting at 10:00 am all at the Funeral Home.  Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Donations in honor of Lydia T Kolacz may be made out to Traditions Hospice, 3555 Park Pl W #100, Mishawaka, IN 46545, Milton Village (Alzheimer & Dementia Day Services)  111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637, or the Ruthmere Museum, 302 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514.

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