Carolyn Rose (Bujeker) Chrzan

Carolyn Rose (Bujeker) Chrzan, of Granger, IN, died peacefully Friday morning, March 13, 2026, at her home, Northwoods Village at Edison Lakes.

Born October 25, 1940, to Matthew and Rose Bujeker in Mishawaka, IN., Carlee attended Saint Joseph’s High School before becoming an airline stewardess (when they still called it that and flying was awesome) for United Airlines. She traveled the globe, meeting many new friends along the way, but throughout her life always maintained her closest friendships with those she grew up with in the neighborhood and school.

As a stewardess, she had several apartments and roommates across the country, dating many, many gentlemen. She put her (eventual) husband of almost 50 years, Jim, through the absolute ringer until finally agreeing to marry him in 1965 instead of some guy named “Jorn” from Hawaii.

The best mom and dad had two extraordinarily average children: Nikki and Jeff. Not showing off. Not falling behind.

Carlee made sure there was always a hot meal for the family each evening and that they ate at the table together every single night. Family and holiday traditions were important to her, and she tried to ensure this wasn’t lost on her children and grandchildren.

She loved Joe Namath, Joe Montana…other Joes’, but she especially loved Frank Sinatra, responsible for the song “Strangers in the Night” which her and Jim first danced to, would do again at their wedding, countless times after, and we imagine is doing now with Jim once more.

Carolyn is survived by her beloved children, Nikki and Jeff, above average grandchildren Madison, Harper, and Grace, her fun-loving brothers Philip (Camille) Bujeker, Rich (Donna) Bujeker, nephews Adam (Tori and just tons of kids) Bujeker, Ryan (Jason) Bujeker, and granddogs (Whatley, Indy, Daisy, and some other one).

She was preceded in death by her husband and lover of almost 50 years, James Allen Chrzan (2015), and her parents Rose (2014) and Matthew Bujeker (1990).

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 26th from 4pm-6pm at Kaniewski Funeral Home (3545 N. Bendix Dr.
South Bend, IN 46628).

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church (52473 S R 933, South Bend, IN 46637) followed by interment at Highland Cemetery (2257 Portage Road, South Bend, IN 46616).

The family would like to thank the team at Northwoods Village at Edison Lakes for their personalized, resident-centered care, and the support and resources offered to families and friends of all ages who have loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Thanks to the core administration team: Cristy, Deejra, and Stephanie for their responsiveness and assistance navigating care for mom and to the community’s Life Enrichment Director over the years. A very special thank you to the many nurses and aides for the wonderful and challenging work you do every day with patience and kindness, and to all support staff. Also, a pointed note to the food services and kitchen staff: your meals are ridiculously delicious! They are clearly made with purpose and love. 

https://www.northwoodsmemorycare.com/edison-lakes-mishawaka/

Finally, thank you to the dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring nurses of Traditions Hospice and Palliative Care for your constant support to Carolyn and our family. You’ve been a source of comfort to her and us throughout. https://www.traditionshealth.com/locations/mishawaka-in/

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the organizations Mom supported throughout her life:

Hannah’s House: https://www.hannahshousemichiana.org/

Center for the Homeless: https://www.cfh.net/

Christ Child Society of South Bend: https://www.christchildsb.org/

St. Margaret’s House: https://stmargaretshouse.org/

Or just give the grandkids some cash.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Rose (Bujeker) Chrzan, please visit our floral store.