Mary Ann CIESIELSKI

20 JAN 1930 - 13 MAY 2021

• RESIDENCE: 1985, Laporte, IN
• BIRTH: 20 JAN 1930, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 13 MAY 2021, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 11 NOV 1967, St Joseph County IN

1.  Gretchen GAPCZYNSKI
2.  Beth Ann GAPCZYNSKI

INDEX

[N28599] Mary A. Ciesielski-Gapczynski
Jan 20, 1930 - May 13, 2021

Mary A (Ciesielski) Gapczynski, 91, of South Bend, peacefully passed away in her home on Thursday, May 13th, 2021. She was born on January 20th, 1930 as the seventh of nine children to Stanley and Rose (Walkowiak) Ciesielski, who preceded her in death along with her sisters, Verna Kuspa and Dorothy Kozlowski and her brothers, Harry, Joseph, Louis, Casimir and William Ciesielski. Being a child of The Great Depression and watching five of her six brothers serve in WWII, solidified to her the importance of family. She treasured her parents and siblings and up until a week before she died, spoke of how lucky they were to grow up in such a loving home and all get along. She attended St. Adalbert Grade School and graduated from South Bend Catholic High School. Shortly after graduation she went to work at the University of Notre Dame and then to Norwalk Truck Lines, of which she had many fond memories. While single, she participated in M. R. Falcons bowling leagues, was a member of PNA, loved attending dances around the community and had a zest for travel. She married the love of her life, Norbert Gapczynski on November 11th, 1967. He survives with two daughters, Gretchen (James) Pfeil and Beth Ann Gapczynski. Also surviving are grandchildren, Madeline, Lillian and Matthew Pfeil. Mary treasured the title of Busia (Polish for grandmother) to those three. She is also survived by a brother, James (Linda) Ciesielski, several sisters and brother in laws and many nieces and nephews. Mary devoted her life to her family and motherhood. After the pediatrician told Mary that Beth had Down Syndrome, he recommended Beth be placed in an institution. Neither Norb nor Mary knew anything about Down's, but they were not about to give up their precious child. Instead, they explained to Gretchen that God chose their family because He knew they could provide Beth with all the love that she would need, and they created the most beautiful life for all of them. Mary's steadfast faith and deep love had no bounds. She had the patience of a saint, was incredibly easy going and had a light hearted sense of humor. She always wished the best for others. Mary also showed her love through food and feeding others. Besides hosting Notre Dame Football tailgate parties for years alongside Norb, she loved to host parties, or help Jim and Gretchen host theirs. She became friends with strangers at tailgates simply by asked passersby if they were hungry or thirsty, usually with food or a cold beer in hand. She shared her food and warmth and long-lasting friendships were quickly. In addition, she took great pride in decorating the house for Christmas where she made the home so beautiful and cozy. She was a member of St. Hedwig parish where she participated in various parish functions and St. Adalbert's Sisters Auxiliary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made out to Logan Center. Address is Hannah & Friends, Attn. Kayle Sexton, 51250 Hollyhock Road, South Bend, Indiana 46637. Please be sure to write "Mary Gapczynski" on the Memo Line. The family would also like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice, especially, Tammy, Sarah, Beth and Jessica. Friends will be received from 3:00pm until 7:00pm on Sunday, May 16th at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 South Mayflower Road, South Bend, Indiana. A rosary will be said at 5:00pm on Sunday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Hedwig Catholic Church in South Bend on Monday, May 17th, 2021 at 10:00am. There will be a viewing at the church one hour prior to the Mass on Monday. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery South Bend.