Mary Martha BLADECKI

24 FEB 1925 - 22 JAN 2014

• BIRTH: 24 FEB 1925, Galena Twp Rolling Prarie, IN
• BURIAL: St Joseph Cemetery, Laporte, IN
• DEATH: 22 JAN 2014, I.U. Health LaPorte Hospital, Laporte, IN

• MARRIAGE: 3 MAY 1947, St John Kanty, Rolling Prarie, In

1.  Joan KOWALKOWSKI
2.  James KOWALKOWSKI

INDEX

[N8616] Mary M. Kowalkowski
Feb. 24, 1925 - Jan. 22, 2014
LAPORTE - Mary M. Kowalkowski, 88, our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away suddenly on January 22, 2014, at I.U. Health LaPorte Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born Mary Martha Bladecki in Rolling Prairie, Indiana, on February 24, 1925, to Lawrence A. (Vernie) and Josephine (Pekofski) Bladecki, the third of seven children. She graduated from Rolling Prairie High School in 1943 and began working at Allis Chalmers in the mail room. As a young woman, she became introduced to the love of her life, John I. Kowalkowski, and corresponded with him throughout his service in WW II. After his return home, they married on May 3, 1947, at St. John Kanty Catholic Church in Rolling Prairie, Indiana. Mary was a beautiful matriarch who was devoted to her husband and family. As a mom she made taffy apples for school bazaars, sewed sashes for the graduating class, and did many jobs her children volunteered her for without complaint, and warmly opened her home to neighborhood children and school friends. As her children grew older she took a job at Essling Drycleaners and mentioned often how much she enjoyed working with the public. As a grandma she spent many Sunday afternoons putting together puzzles, playing cards and making her grandchildren feel like the most important people in the world. She took great pleasure in knowing what special treats her great-grandchildren would most enjoy. Later in her life, as her husband's health declined, she tended to him with untiring compassion. Mary served her community for years in the St Vincent DePaul Society, served on the funeral committee, worked as a money counter and did many other "behind the scenes" jobs for St. Joseph parish in LaPorte. She had a fantastic memory and always remembered to send birthday and anniversary cards, even as her extended family grew very large. She was grateful when people thought of her and never failed to send a beautifully handwritten personal note of thanks. She was the loveliest lady in the lives of those who were blessed to know her. She enjoyed quilting, working on family genealogy, and spending time in her garden. She liked baking and canning and was famous for her apple pies. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and making those around her happy and comfortable. A most gentle quiet light who never spoke an unkind word, Mary was the epitome of grace, humility and selflessness. Mary is survived by her daughter, Joan (Rex) Stone of LaPorte, and son, James (Debra) Kowalkowski of Muncie, Indiana; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Russell) Hopper, Jason Stone, Juliette (Jed) Joseph, Jeremiah (Kathryn) Stone, Matthew (Theresa) Kowalkowski and Michael (Leo) Kowalkowski; her great-grandchildren, Diana, Andrew, Issac, Jennifer, Autumn, Payton, Sofie, Elizabeth, RJ, Miranda, Evan, Easton and Mariah; one sister, Rosella Tuszynski of Gary; two brothers, George (Mary Lou) Bladecki of Rolling Prairie and Andrew Bladecki of LaPorte; her brother-in-law, Bert Stopczynski of LaPorte; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her granddaughter, Jodi Stone, one sister and two brothers. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday, January 27, 2014, at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C Street, LaPorte, with Rev Eduardo Malagon officiating. Friends and family will be welcomed at Essling Funeral Home, 1117 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, today, January 26, 2014, from 2-7 pm and on Monday, January 27th, from 8:30-9:30 am. A Rosary will be held at 6 pm Sunday evening at the funeral home. Burial will follow the Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or donor's charity of choice . Family and friends may leave their condolences at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.
Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 26, 2014

[N21947] Name: I. John Kowalkowski
Birth Date:
Birthplace:
Age:
Spouse's Name: Mary Bladecki
Spouse's Birth Date:
Spouse's Birthplace:
Spouse's Age:
Event Date: 03 May 1947
Event Place: Rolling Prairie, La Porte, Indiana
Father's Name: John Kowalkowski
Mother's Name: Pelagia Wasitlewska
Spouse's Father's Name: Lawrence Vernie Bladecki
Spouse's Mother's Name: Josephine Pekofska
Citing this Record
"Indiana, Marriages, 1780-1992," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XFFX-5PG : accessed 26 Jan 2014), I. John Kowalkowski and Mary Bladecki, 03 May 1947.