Yolando Unk KONOPKA

13 FEB 1926 - 10 SEP 2015

• BIRTH: 13 FEB 1926, Tarnow, Poland
• DEATH: 10 SEP 2015, South Bend, IN

INDEX

[N13238] Yolanda Libertowski
Feb. 13, 1926 - Sept. 10, 2015
SOUTH BEND - Yolanda Libertowski, 89, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2015, in the Southfield Village Nursing Facilty. Yolanda was born February 13, 1926, in Tarnow, Poland. Yolanda was married to the late Bruno Konopka and her second husband, Chester Liber-towski, also preceded her in death. Yolanda was also preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Konop-ka, and a son, Michael Konopka. Survivors include her children, Joseph (Sharon) Konopka, Barbara (Daniel) Cripe and John (Judy) Libertowski; grandchildren: Kristin Price, Nicki Borden, Alex Cripe, Ann & Matthew Konopka, Emily Burkett, Garrett Libertow-ski; and five great-grandchildren. At the age of 13, Yolanda was taken to Germany where she was a slave laborer during World War II. That is where she met her first husband, Bruno, who was also a slave laborer. Following the war, they were in a displaced person's camp until 1949 when they emigrated to the United States. They lived in Chicago before moving to South Bend in 1951. Yolanda survived many personal losses including the loss of two children. Her grandchildren were the light of her life who gave her the will to persevere. A Special Note of Appreciation to staff and residents of Hubbard Hill Estates and Southfield Village for their kindness to Yolanda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Saturday, September 12, 2015, in Holy Family Catholic Church, with a one hour visitation prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place Mishawaka, IN 46545. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net. Published in South Bend Tribune on Sept. 11, 2015