Mary Lou Kuczmanski

Mary Lou Kuczmanski, 85, passed away on Sunday morning, June 30, 2024. She was born on November 2, 1938, in South Bend, to John and Chesterine (Ilczak) Zdoniak, both of whom preceded her in death.

On October 4, 1958, at St. Adalbert’s Church in South Bend, she married Richard Kuczmanski, who preceded her in death on August 24, 2023. They had been married for 65 years. Mary Lou is survived by daughters, Sue Kuspa (Tim) and Luanne Korpal (Rob), and sons Eric (Dianna) Kuczmanski and John (Michele) Kuczmanski, all of South Bend; grandchildren, Jason, Adam, Stephanie, Ashley, Jared, Eric, Jacob and Rachel; great grandchildren Kiara, Riley, Ellie, Ryder, Vivienne, Cashton, Kyla, Grayson, Finnegan and a baby boy who is on his way. 

Mary Lou graduated from St Joseph High School. She had the most important vocation you could ever have as a stay-at-home mom, a loving Busia and homemaker. Being an excellent cook, Coca-Cola cake, her blueberry pierogis and her paczkis before Lent were family favorites that everyone loved but were limited only to a certain number because of the high demand. The smell of something cooking as you entered her home will always be a memory of her children and grandchildren. And the regular, special Sunday dessert was always a treat that never disappointed. She was also an expert and generous gift-giver, always going overboard and finding that special gift (usually something from QVC). Making sure that everyone opened their (special) present at the exact same time during Christmas was a yearly tradition. Most of all, her love of her family was what she lived for. 

A special thank you to Dr. Rafat Ansari, Brandee Flagg and all of those at Michiana Hematology Oncology who extended her life after a cancer diagnosis in 2016. Also, a very special thank you to Sue, Winnie and Karmyn at Acres of Indiana, who took such great care of her. The family is so grateful for the love and attention you provided her this past year.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 3:00-7:00pm at St Joseph Funeral Home, with a Rosary being prayed at 4:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 9:00am, with visitation 1 hour prior to the mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Rd, South Bend. Burial will follow at St Joseph Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Mary Lou may be donated to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Pl., Mishawaka, IN 46545. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sjfh.net.

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