Lois Ann (Ryback) Bajdek

Lois Ann (Ryback) Bajdek, age 70, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, April 26th surrounded by family. Lois was born in South Dakota and spent most of her life in South Bend, graduating from Saint Joseph’s High School.

Lois was married to her beloved husband, John, for 47 wonderful years. She is survived by John, her son, Bret (Katie) Bajdek; her mother, Mary Ann Ryback; and siblings, James (Angie) Ryback and Vicky (Jack) Hammerstein. Lois was preceded in death by her son, Jonathan Bajdek, and her father, James Ryback.

Lois's greatest joy in life was being a devoted mother and wife. She was the caregiver of the family and always put the needs of others ahead of her own. Lois worked for Fuller O'Brien Paints in South Bend and the St. Joseph County Voter Registration office, before stepping away from the workforce to care for Jonathan during his battle with cystic fibrosis. She cherished spending time with her family and always enjoyed a hot Barnaby's veggie pizza with sausage.

Lois had a special love for sports, particularly Notre Dame football, New York Yankees baseball—especially Thurman Munson—and high school football games on Friday nights in the fall. Some of her best memories were her time as a football and baseball mom for both of her boys, whether they were playing or coaching.

Lois's warm heart and deep care for others made a lasting impact on all who knew her. Though her absence leaves a hole in all of our hearts, we take comfort in knowing she is with Jonathan and no longer in any pain.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the incredible healthcare team that cared for Lois in recent months, as well as family friends Lynne Dzierla, Becca Vanderheyden, and the Klima family for their unwavering help and support.

Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, followed by a Catholic Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home, with Rev. Daryl Rybicki officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to go to Hello Gorgeous, a local cancer support group, 922 S. Beiger, Mishawaka, IN 46544 or www.hellogorgeous.org.

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

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