Elizabeth O. (Horvath) Kitkowski

Elizabeth O. Kitkowski, 95, of South Bend, Indiana passed away at 12:38 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

She was born on May 5, 1927 to the late Michael and Elizabeth (Gerencher) Horvath in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident. Along with her parents; she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank E. Kitkowski; two sisters, Rose Ann Horvath; Mary Lightner; one brother, Michael Horvath; a son-in-law, Bruce Knippel and a granddaughter, Kellie Bousman.

On August 9, 1952, as Elizabeth O. Horvath, she married Frank E. Kitkowski at the former St. Stephen Catholic Church in South Bend, IN.  Frank passed away on January 18, 2019.

Betty retired from the South Bend Community School Corporation, where she was employed as an Assistant Cook at Clay Middle School for 17 ½ years. 

She is survived by two daughters, Deborah (Donald) Nelson and Renee Knippel, both of South Bend, IN; two sons, Gregory (Rebekah) Kitkowski of New Port Richey, FL and Richard Kitkowski of South Bend, Indiana; four grandchildren, Theresa Nelson Long, Brenda McDonald, and Elizabeth Knippel, all of South Bend, IN; James Ward of Wasilla, AK; 10 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.  

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Christ the King Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.

Betty was a member of Christ the King Catholic Parish for over 60 years.  She loved to volunteer her time.  Betty was an avid gardener, nature lover, enjoyed bird watching, and was adventurous.  She also enjoyed dancing, traveling and camping with her husband Frank and their family.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Hospice Foundation, Supporting Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN  46545 or St. Margaret’s House, 117 N. Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601.   

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

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