Submitted by: Dan Rich

Wanda A. Nowak

April 30, 1921 - March 30, 2003

South Bend Tribune 4/2/2003

Wanda Nowak, 81, of Fredrickson Street, temporarily living in Joliet, Ill., passed away on Sunday, March 30, in the care of her son Paul and daughter-in-law Kathy in Joliet. Her determination to fight and beat the odds of cancer was not fulfilled. Wanda was born on April 30, 1921, in South Bend, Ind., to the late Felix and Antoinette (Powicki) Samolczyk. She was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband, Walter "Wally," and by her baby daughter Linda many years before. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Edmund Samolczyk. Wanda is survived by her dear son, Paul; daughter-in-law, Kathy; grandsons, Donovan and Duane Nowak; and step-grandson, Robert. She also leaves a brother, Jesse (Jane) Samolczyk; several dear nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Eleanor; and many, many friends from near and far.

Wanda became a well-known citizen of South Bend and St. Joseph County as she became the first woman elected to a county office. She was elected as county recorder and served the eight years allotted for county offices. She knew her job and did it well, as applauded by the attorneys and general public whom she served. Wanda opened the door and assisted other women to run for public office. She was active mainly with the Democratic party, but respected and appreciated all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

Wanda became a distinguished member of the Polish Falcons of America. Being a staunch American of Polish descent and following in her father's footsteps, she became an active member of the fraternal organization, specifically the Z.B. Falcons. She was elected to the higher offices of Nest 80, also became the first woman elected president of Falcon District Six. Wanda graduated to serving District Six as a member of the board of directors with our national office in Pittsburgh. She served in that capacity for 20 years. Wanda was decorated with the coveted Legion of Honor Gold Cross and was also chosen as Falcon of the Year in 1995, and won second place as Fraternalist of the Year.

She was also an honorary member of M.R. Falconettes, Nest 200, was a longtime member of the Polish National Alliance, American Legion Auxiliary Post 357, Polish American Congress, the Central Polish-American Organization (Centrala), serving as secretary for 23 years. Wanda became a member of RIPEA (Retired Indiana Public Employee Association) and the AARP. One of her most distinguished honors was her receiving of the Sagamore of the Wabash. Wanda was a dedicated blood donor, and was also a loyal member of her church, visiting the home-bound on a regular weekly basis. Wanda Nowak will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today, April 2, in the ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. The Falcon Legion of Honor members ritual will follow the Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 3, in St. Stanislaus B&M Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Polish Falcons Scholarship Fund or to the Z.B. Falcons Youth Fund.