Evelyn G. Kazmierzak

Evelyn G. Kazmierzak, 99 (or the 60th anniversary of her 39th birthday, if you asked her), of South Bend, Indiana passed away on August 8, 2024.  Evelyn was born on November 7, 1924 in South Bend to Stanley and Nettie (Kruszka) Tafelski, and was a lifelong resident.  On February 3, 1951 at St. Casmir Catholic Church she married Robert Kazmierzak who preceded her in death on May 10, 1989.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Kazmierzak; one granddaughter, Jamie Takace; one sister, Virginia Tafelski; and five brothers, Clem, Edward, Alex, Dan and Ray Tafelski. Evelyn is survived by her sister, Veronica (“Peachy”) Kusmiez; her two sons, Rick (Lyn) Kazmierzak of Lakeville, Indiana and James (Kem) Kazmierzak of Brownsburg, Indiana; four grandchildren, Jill (Chris) Bell, Josh (Kacey) Kazmierzak, Chris Kazmierzak and Nick Kazmierzak; one grandson-in-law Chris Takace; and four great-grandchildren, Cole and Zoey Takace, Chelsea Bell, and Jamie Kazmierzak.  A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at St. Jude Catholic Church.  A visitation will also take place before the Mass from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at St. Jude Church. Burial will follow the Mass at St. Joseph Cemetery.  

Evelyn’s life revolved around her family. She loved her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren so much.  She was known as Taffy as a young girl, but the grandkids called her grandma “Eda” and “Nana.”  She would tell them, “I love you a bushel and a peck and a squeeze around the neck.”  She will be remembered and greatly missed for her loving and positive spirit.  She had a special gift of being everyone’s favorite, especially the “little ones”.  It may have had something to do with her purse always being full of Hershey’s kisses and “stick candy” (lollipops).  Her quick wit and humor will be missed – whenever you asked her how she was doing, she would reply, “still kicking … just not as high.”  Her faith in God was important to her and she would pray the rosary daily, and watch Mass on TV when she couldn’t attend Mass.  She loved polka music and Polish cuisine or any special meals that her sister Veronica (“Peachy”) would make for her.  She loved her sweets, and would look for dessert first at all the parties.  She never learned to drive, but that did not stop her from having a robust social life.  From Sundays with “The Girls” to trips to the casino to gamble, breakfast or dinners with family, Evelyn was always up for an outing.  We will miss you so much Nana, but now you are kicking up in heaven higher than ever!

Memorial contributions should be directed to any organization that loves cats … just kidding Nana (cats frightened her)!  In lieu of memorial contributions and flowers, the family asks that you be kind to others and hold your family close.  And eat dessert first!  P.S. “I love you.”

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