Dorothy GRZESKOWIAK

25 AUG 1926 - 6 JUL 2016

• BIRTH: 25 AUG 1926, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 6 JUL 2016, South Bend, IN

INDEX

[N15019] Dorothy R. Thomas
Aug. 25, 1926 - July 6, 2016
SOUTH BEND - Dorothy Thomas, 89, went home to the Lord and her Savior on July 6, 2016, from Sanctuary at Holy Cross. Dorothy was born August 25, 1926, in South Bend, to the late Harry and Rose (Przybylinski) Grzeskowiak. Dorothy was preceded in death by brothers, Robert Grzeskowiak and Jerome Grzeskowiak, and the father of her children, Jack Thomas, who passed away on April 7, 2016. Dorothy is survived by daughters, Sandra Sullivan of South Bend, Linda Binder of Austin, TX, and Valerie (David) Scholl of Mason, OH; sons, Kenneth Thomas of Columbus, GA, John (Carla) Thomas of Granger, and Michael (Michelle) Thomas of Viera, FL; grandchildren, Shawn (Carolyn) Sullivan of Phoenix, AZ, Cassandra (Doc) Lomax of LaPorte, IN, Justin (Trella) Scholl of Carmel, IN, Aaron (Nichole) Scholl of Carmel, IN, Bre Lyn Binder of Austin, TX, Jonelle (Ashley) Neave of Austin, TX, Corey Binder of Austin, TX, Jared Thomas of Chicago, IL, Joshua Thomas of Bloomington, IN, and Shannon Thomas of Granger; great-grandchildren, Joshua Werntz, Brianna (Scott) Kalvaitis, Landon Cerrillos, Payton Scholl, Reese Scholl, Lauren Binder, Hudson Scholl, Palmer Scholl, Harrison Neave, and Matilda Neave; and great-great-grandchildren, Brynna Werntz and Dehlia Kalvaitis. Dorothy retired in 1995 from Mobile Communications. She was an avid reader and read ten to twelve books a month. She was featured in an article in the South Bend Tribune about her reading, on December 25, 2006. She also enjoyed playing Bridge, Euchre and Skipbo with her good friends at Fairington Apartments. People enjoyed her presence and appreciated her distinct sense of humor. Her positive attitude was strongly rooted in her Catholic faith. She was well-known for her compassion and empathy toward others. Dorothy had many interests, most notably her incredible cooking and baking talents that were shared and enjoyed so often with her family and many friends. Dorothy loved her family very much and always encouraged and supported them loyally in their endeavors. When tackling life's challenges, including her own battles with cancer, Dorothy was a role model for her children. ”This too shall pass” and “it will get better”, are phrases she often expressed to provide the calm and stability to always look forward. She was and will always be so proud of her 10 grandchildren, her 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She derived lasting joy and was extremely proud watching them grow up to become such good people. Dorothy passed as her family was planning her 90th birthday. Celebration of her life with family and friends is planned for August. Mom, you will be dearly missed, but always, always in our hearts. Mass of Christian Burial is 1 pm on Monday, July 11, 2016, in the Cathedral of St. Matthew. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery. ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 1827 E. Ireland Rd., is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545; or the American Diabetes Association , 1701 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net. Published in South Bend Tribune on July 10, 2016