Jane S. (Kujawa) Derda

Jane Derda died October 31, 2019.  She was born on October 4, 1921 in Canton, Ohio to Stanley and Pearl (Boziel) Kujawa.  Her family moved to South Bend in 1926, where Jane remained a lifelong resident.  Sadly though, her mother died when Jane was just seven years old.  Her father never remarried, leaving her to help raise her younger brother John, and be the "lady of the house" at such a young age.  As she grew older, she learned to cook and sew and run things as she saw fit.

Jane graduated from South Bend Catholic High School in 1939.  On Saturday, October 18, 1941, Jane married Anthony J. Derda, the youngest of thirteen children.  They were blessed with five living children: Marcia Whittleton of Mishawaka, Victoria (Steve) Quinlan of Vandalia, MI, Marianne (Jim) Springer of Valrico, FL, Janice (George-deceased) Harpole of Niles, Michigan, and Tony Derda (Jr.) of South Bend.  Jane will be missed by her five children, her thirteen grandchildren, and her fifteen great-grandchildren.  Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Anthony, who died in 1993, and one grandson, Eric, who died in 1983.  She is survived by her children and her brother, John Kujawa.

Jane loved to sew for her family, making sure her girls always had coordinated outfits.  Her love of sewing led to a career as a bridal alterations specialist, working for The Enchanted Cottage and Bernardo's for the Bride, among others.  Her career lasted for over 25 years, retiring at the age of 90.  She was proud of her Polish heritage and made sure the customs and traditions continued, especially at Easter and Christmas.

Jane was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, their Altar and Rosary Society, Ladies of the Knights of Columbus #5570, Embroiderers Guild, and Forever Learning.  She also served a Den Mother in the Cub Scouts and a Leader in the Campfire Girls groups.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2019, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Family and friends may visit at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN on Sunday, November 3, 2019, from 2-6 p.m., with a rosary to be prayed at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to 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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