Nellie J. Gapczynski

Nellie J. Gapczynski, 81, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026 in The Pendle Home.  Nellie was born on January 31, 1945 in Great Falls, Montana to Harold E. and Jeanne M. (Brabury) LePard.  She retired on May 30, 2011 from Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, where she was employed as a Registered Sales Assistant.  On September 5, 1970 she married Peter P. Gapczynski, who preceded her in death on March 22, 2025. She was also preceded in death by her sister and her husband, Francine and Robert Rogers; her niece, Beth Ann Gapczynski; and her nephew, Ron Rogers. Nellie is survived by her niece, Gretchen (Jim) Pfeil; her nephew, Jim (Rita) Rogers; and her brother-in-law, Norbert Gapczynski. Nellie was like a third grandmother to Gretchen and Jim’s children, Madeline, Lillian and Matthew Pfeil.  She will be remembered for her kind and loving soul. Nellie enjoyed traveling with her husband Pete and trips to Chicago with their friends. She was a beloved aunt and great aunt, spoiling her great nieces and nephew with outings to the beach or museums when they were young. She loved spending time with her family and friends anytime she could get. She especially enjoyed hosting Thanksgiving and Easter holidays for her loved ones. Her family is forever grateful for the most loving care The Pendle Home provided her over the past 14 months. Ma Liza, Lhidz, Avery and all the staff were incredible. Thank you for loving Nellie as family! And thank you to Nicky, Caring Cove Hospice, for being her nurse during this time. We could not have asked for a better group of caregivers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial Contributions should be directed to St. John the Baptist Church. Kaniewski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nellie J. Gapczynski, please visit our floral store.