June
24, 1919 - Oct. 31, 2009SOUTH BEND - Jeannette Wontorek Dzikowski died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family. Jeannette faced her long final battle with declining health the same way she lived her life - with indestructible determination, wit, beauty and grace. Her family wishes to extend appreciation to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care for their devoted and attentive care. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one sister and one brother. Survivors include three daughters, a cousin in Poland, and -- on her husband's side of the family -- 5 nieces and 2 nephews. Jeannette brought culture and beauty to her world, whether it was by creating exquisite cross-stitch embroideries, sewing everything from draperies to bridal clothes, home decorating, or perpetuating Polish-American heritage and culture within her community by participating in numerous social/civic organizations including Centrala, Chopin Fine Arts and her beloved Polish-American Congress. Along with her husband, Casimir, she hosted the Polish-American Hour on WJVA radio for 23 years. In 1984, she retired from Simon Brothers, where she served as executive secretary. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements, and burial will take place in St. Joseph cemetery. Donations in Jeannette's memory may be made to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care (111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend 46637), Milton Adult Day Services (922 E. Colfax, South Bend 46617), or The Foundation for Music and Healing (2811 Beechwood Lane, South Bend 46615). On line condolences may be sent to www.kaniewski.com But how shall you find the secret of death unless you seek it I n the heart of life? For life and death are one, even as the river and sea are one. In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your secret knowledge of the beyond; And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring. Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity. For what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered. (from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran)