Submitted by: Dan Rich
Bernice Alice Opaczewski
South Bend Tribune 10/6/2008
SOUTH BEND - Bernice Alice Opaczewski, 87, passed away
after a brief illness on Saturday, October 4, 2008, in Memorial
Hospital of South Bend. Bernice was born on January 17, 1921, in
South Bend, Indiana, to the late Stazy and Sadie (Wroblewski)
Zelasko. She was one of 11 children and spent her
childhood in the New Carlisle area working on farms and helping
care for her younger siblings. During World War II, Bernice,
along with her sisters, Irene and Frances, were one of many
"Rosie the Riveters," making electrical boxes
called "spacers" at Roach Appleton. On March 10, 1945,
she married Raymond J. Opaczewski, who preceded her in death on
July 18, 1996. Bernice is survived by her children, Ronald J.
Opaczewski, Barbara J. Wassenhove and Cynthia A. Opaczewski.
"Bushie" is also survived by her grandchildren, Emily
(Mike) Walker and Ellie (Tim) Blotkamp; along with
her two great-grandchildren, whom she cherished, Sadie and Maggie
Walker. Also surviving are a sister, Irene Sipotz;
brothers, Albert (Carol) Zelasko and Donald (Betty) Zelasko;
sisters-in-law, Marilyn Zelasko and Marlene Zelasko; many nieces
and nephews; and her beloved pets, including Libby and Stasha.
Along with her parents and husband Ray, she was preceded in death
by her son-in-law, David Wassenhove; sisters, Lottie, Rose
and Frances; and brothers, Ed, Stazy Jr. and Louie. Bernice was a
homemaker, loving mother and "Bushie." She enjoyed
tending to her many plants, playing with her dogs, and cooking
traditional Polish meals. Her family always looked forward to her
Easter ham! She also enjoyed traveling with her daughter,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and their weekly shopping
trips. She will be forever in our hearts.
Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where friends may visit two hours prior to the services. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.