Penelope M. "Penny" Gillis

Penelope Mae “Penny” Gillis, 84, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, in The Raclin House.  Penelope was born on February 15, 1942 in Anamosa, Iowa to Willis W. and Dolores (Pabst) Roorda and had lived in South Bend since 1945. Penelope was a Registered Nurse. She worked as a Pediatric Nurse where she enjoyed helping children.  She was also a Nurse for Dr. Cox and Dr. Buck. On March 26, 1966 in the Northwest United Methodist Church, she married John D. Gillis, who preceded her in death on June 4, 2009.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Janet Radzikowski; and two sisters, Patricia Enwright and Cyntha Sanders.  Penelope is survived by three sons, John D. Gillis, Jr. and James D. Gillis both of Niles, Michigan and Jeffrey D. Gillis of South Bend, Indiana; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her longtime companion, Larry Buckmaster, Sr.; her son-in-law, David Radzikowski; two brothers-in-law, Dennis Sanders and Robert Enwright; her special friend, Julie Anderson; and her best friend, Pat Cole.  Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. beginning with A Michiana Nursing Guard Ceremony followed by a Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Vickie Van Nevel on Friday, June 19, 2026, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana.  Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 a.m. Friday in the funeral home.  Penelope was a 1960 graduate of Adams High School and a 1963 graduate of Memorial Hospital School of Nursing.  She was a member of the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Alumni and a longtime member of Northwest United Methodist Church.  She had been a former Craft Leader for 4-H for German Township for several years. She enjoyed reading, traveling making crafts and puzzles.  She also loved music and played the Clarinet and Oboe for many years.  Penelope supported her husband on their 400 acre farm, the Chet Waggoner Farm, raising dairy and beef cattle. Memorial Contributions should be directed to Pet Refuge.

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