Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 1/19/2005

Martha J. Nicolini

Sept. 12, 1917 -- Jan. 18, 2005

Martha J. Nicolini, 87, formerly of Wheatstone Drive, Mishawaka, Ind., and Diamond Lake, Cassopolis, MI, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, Jan. 19, in Holy Cross Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. Nicolini was born on September 12, 1917, in Mishawaka, IN, as the daughter of the late John and Julia (Webster) Kunce. On November 27, 1937, in St. Monica's Catholic Church, Mishawaka, Martha married Gene Nicolini, who preceded her in death on September 5, 1991, after 54 years of marriage. One son, John, preceded her in death on December 19, 2003. One brother, Joseph W. Kunce, four sisters, Marie Christoph, Mable Brubaker, Genevive Baim and Helen VanDeWalle, also preceded her in death.

Mrs. Nicolini is survived by four daughters, Becky Kendro of Kailua, HI, Marilyn (David) Schmitt Sr. of Mishawaka, Susan (Greg) Vannoni of Phoenix, AZ., and Anne (Rob) Hepler of Jacksonville, Fl; and one son, Gene K. "Nick" (Sue) Nicolini of Granger.

She is survived by 17 grandchildren, Susan (Leon) Scott, Kurt Kendro, Christopher Kendro, David (Lisa) Schmitt Jr., John (Sherri) Schmitt, Beth (Michael) Moore, Michele (Terrance) Bush, Michael Nicolini, Catherine (Everett) Cauffman, Kevin Nicolini, Keith Nicolini, Jonathan Nicolini, Julia Nicolini, Greg A. Vannoni, Holly Hepler, Robby Hepler and Alex Hepler. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, Brianna and Jessica Schmitt, Kayla, Ryan and Katherine Schmitt, Joshua Moore, Airika Nicolini, TJ and Tori Bush, and Natalie Cauffman. A great-granddaughter, Rachel Schmitt, also preceded her in death in 1997. She is survived by two sisters-in-law, Gertrude Hedges and Rosemary Rooney of California; and several other nieces and nephews.

Martha will be forever remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and wonderful friend. Her love was felt by those who are fortunate to have had their lives touched by her.

Martha with her husband, Gene, owned and operated the former Valley Beverage Company in Mishawaka, and retired in 1979. Martha was a graduate of Mishawaka High School. She was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, and a member of the Rosary Society.

The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 20, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka, with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Robert A. Yast officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, IN.