Esther (Simonis) Beke

Esther Beke, 92, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 6:08 a.m. Saturday, October 20, 2018 in her home.

She was born on April 4, 1926 to the late Clarence and Josephine (Czeck) Simonis in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident.  Along with her parents; she was preceded in death by a daughter, Diana Meeks (which broke Esther’s heart); a son-in-law, Paul Botka; and a brother, Norbert Simonis.

Esther attended Central High School in South Bend.  She retired in 1984 from Bendix Corporation, where she worked for 37 years.

On May 2, 1953, as Esther Simonis, she married Roger Beke.  He preceded her in death on March 28, 2010.

Esther is survived by her daughter, Barbara Botka of South Bend, IN; three grandchildren, Marie (Jim); Claire; and Joseph; two sisters, Gertrude Miller of Fairhope, AL; Leona Albano of South Bend, IN; many nieces; one nephew; and a son-in-law, Michael Meeks of Columbus, OH.

Esther was a member of Corpus Christi Parish.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, and collecting tea cups & saucers.  In recent years Esther enjoyed watching sports on TV.  

Esther will be remembered as the sweetest little woman with a very feisty spirit.  She and her husband were a hardworking couple who believed in doing things the right way.  She was a woman who loved her family fiercely and wanted to protect them all.  She taught us to feed the people you love (everyone loved her potato salad) and that “little details” do matter.  We will miss her sweet smile.  We love you.  Rest in peace Mom.                                            

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, with Rev. Daryl Rybicki officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in South Bend.

The family would like to thank the Center for Hospice Care, especially Kristi Powell.  Also Dr. Catherine Wolff, Linda, Jill, Kathie, Darlene and the many others who helped and cared for her.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice Foundation, Supporting Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN  46545-5234; or Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2822 Corpus Christi Drive, South Bend, IN 46628.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.                            

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