Patricia A. Spychalski

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Patricia Ann Spychalski

December 26, 1943 - August 23, 2023

South Bend - Patricia Ann Spychalski, 79, left this world after a brief illness on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, in Memorial Hospital.  Patricia was born in South Bend on December 26, 1943, to the late Leo and Mary (Sotkiewicz) Wasowski.  She was preceded in death by Marion (her husband), who passed on June 8, 2009, and her brother, Reverend Ronald J. Wasowski C.S.C., who passed on December 5, 2016.  

On June 26, 1965, Patricia married Marion Joseph Spychalski at St. Casimir Catholic Church in South Bend.  They built a wonderful life together and were deeply devoted to their Catholic faith and volunteerism.

She is survived by her daughter Michele (Satish) Ramachandran of San Jose, CA, and their 7-year-old twins Sahana and Aditya are survivors; her son Christopher (Jeannie) Spychalski of South Bend and children Allen and Emma; sister-in-law Germaine (David) Wuergler of Granger, nephews Scott (Cassie) and Stuart (Melissa) Wuergler and niece Sarah Smith; great-nephews Liam Smith, Quinn, Alexander, and Landon Wuergler and great-nieces Hazel and Rori Smith, Cali and Addison Wuergler.  

Patricia was a graduate of St. Joseph High School and Michiana College with a degree in Finance.  She worked at W.N.D.U. and the TireRack in the Finance Department. 

Patricia was a Girl Scout troop leader and supported the Knights of Columbus as a Lady Knight.  She was active in St. Pius X church.  She served as a lector and a eucharistic minister and was on the parish Finance Committee.  She took the consecrated host to those infirmed.  After retirement, she supported the church through other volunteer efforts.  She was the Secretary for the Widow’s Group after Marion passed away and was an active member of the Senior Group.  Patricia spent many years volunteering as the Secretary/Treasurer of her HOA.  She was the go-to person in the neighborhood that others reached out to when they had questions or needed help. 

When Marion was alive, they were always together.  They enjoyed traveling, especially to the Grand Canyon and Mackinac Island.  They also enjoyed fishing, bowling, shopping, gardening, and cooking together.  

After Marion passed away, Patricia enjoyed traveling to California to visit her daughter Michele and her family or a quick road trip with Christopher and his family to Shipshewana, IN, to shop for baking supplies.  Her love of baking is evident in her 226 cookie-cutter collection.  Her son and daughter spoke to her many times daily, and Thursday at 9 p.m. was always reserved for Nani to watch her daughter’s twins at swimming lessons via a video call.  Her favorite TV shows were Law & Order, Andy Griffith, Hogan’s Heroes, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune.

Patricia was a giver and a nurturer and was overjoyed by her role as Mother, Grandmother, Aunt/Great Aunt, and friend.  She was devoted to the Virgin Mary and said multiple rosaries per day.  She has friends from before kindergarten and was in touch with all of them.  She was the person who planned parties, had friends over, and loved hosting.  She continues to be a giver and nurturer as a tissue donor.  

In the past 10 years, Patricia suffered from intense back and leg pain but always smiled.  She would always say, “I’m doing fine” and then ask how you were doing.  Her will to carry on for her family and friends was apparent even at the end.  However, it was Patricia’s time to go and join Marion.  She will walk hand-in-hand with him now, and those of us left here will take comfort in the fact they are now together and watching over all of us.

We love you, Mom, Grandma, Gma, Nani, Pat, Aunt Pat.  The tears that fill our eyes are a testament to our love for you and the sorrow we feel at losing our ability to talk to you, seek your guidance, eat your Polish noodles, and hug you.  Michele and Christopher are thankful for the childhood you gave them, the memories you created, and the valuable lessons you provided from their birth until your death.  They sincerely hope they continue to make you proud and smile down on them.

Visitation will be held from 4 PM - 8 PM on Friday, August 25, 2023, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend.  A vigil service will be prayed at 4 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 PM on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger, where friends may visit one hour before the mass.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend.  

Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Pius X Building Fund, 52553 Fir Rd., Granger, IN  46530 or Gibault, Inc., 6401 South US Highway 41, Terre Haute, IN  47802.  To send online condolences, please visit https://www.kaniewski.com.

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