Dec.
11, 1945 - March 3, 2010SOUTH BEND - Carolyn M. Kowalski, 64, of South Bend, passed away Wednesday evening, March 3, 2010, in Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis. Carolyn was born December 11, 1945, in Mishawaka, a daughter of the late Herbert and Clara (Hornung) Hillebrand. She grew up in Mishawaka and graduated in 1964 from St. Joseph High School, South Bend. On October 9, 1965, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, Carolyn married John W. Kowalski Jr., and they made South Bend their home. Carolyn and her husband owned and operated Aunt Snook's Country Kitchen in Mishawaka. She was also a licensed practical nurse. Her husband was know to many in the area as Father Christmas and Carolyn assisted him as an elf. Carolyn loved wildlife and was a member of the National Wildlife Federation and the Defenders of Wildlife. She was a supporter of 90.7 FM - WAUS Radio. Carolyn was a former active member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and attended the Cathedral of St. Matthew. Carolyn's surviving family includes her son, John W. Kowalski III; a sister, Kathryn (Jaime) Kessler-Dolojan; four brothers, Paul Hillebrand, Michael (Geri) Hillebrand, Fredric (Patricia) Hillebrand and Herbert Hillebrand. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband John in 2007, and by a brother, James Hillebrand. Friends may join Carolyn's family for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13th, in the Cathedral of St. Matthew; 1701 Miami Street, South Bend, with Rev. Jacob Runyon officiating. There will be no public visitation. Contributions in Carolyn's memory may be made to Pet Refuge, 2300 W. 6th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544; or to Wolf Park, 4004 E. 800 North, Battle Ground, IN 47920. Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka, is serving the Kowalski family.