May 24, 1931 -- May 21, 2003

Dolores Marie Pajakowski, 71, of Bradenton Beach, Fla., passed away May 21, in Blake Medical Center, Bradenton, Fla.

She was born May 24, 1931, in South Bend, Ind. On June 30, 1951, she married Donald Pajakowski, who preceded her death in 1998. Dolores was also preceded in death by her parents, John and Bertha (Opaczewski) Peczkowski; her brother, Daniel Peczkowski; and her grandson, Michael Pajakowski.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl (Fred) Nix, Granger, Ind., Janet Pajakowski, Dallas Texas, Andrea (Kirk) Hinrichs, Savage, Minn., James (Sue) Pajakowski, Barrington Ill., Andrew (Denise) Pajakowski, Columbus Ind., Chris (Polly) Pajakowski, Granger, Laureen Pajakowski, Grand Rapids Mich.; and also by thirteen grandchildren, P.J. and Leslie Nix, Nick, Matt and Lindsay Capatina, Kimberly and Abby Pajakowski, Drew and Adam Pajakowski, Maggie and Mollie Pajakowski, Grant and Max Goetcheus. She also survived by her siblings, Mollie Sokol, South Bend, Ind., Edward (Phyllis) Peczkowski, South Bend, Bernie (Kathryn) Peczkowski, Three Rivers Mich., Leona Jordanek, South Bend, and John (Betty) Peczkowski, South Bend.

Dolores was born and raised in South Bend and was a life long resident. She lived in Bradenton Beach during the winter months for several years and recently relocated on a permanent basis to enjoy the warm weather, beautiful sunsets over the gulf and the great spirit of camaraderie among her fellow retirees. Dolores loved children and supported many children's causes. She adored and lived for her grandchildren. Her frequent shopping trips, hosting of Florida vacations, visits to support the arrival of a new born, and unconditional love and support during times of need enriched the lives of her children, their children, and will continue to enrich generations to come. "Do your giving while you're living" was her motto and all who knew her experienced the benefit of it.

Dolores was generous and thoughtful throughout her life. She and Don were partners for 46 years, and their marriage was full of love, laughter, play and work. They raised seven successful children, teaching them to cherish each other and to value friendship. She redefined the role of caregiver to her husband - her partner. Mom was an integral part of Don's recovery from open-heart surgery in 1987, his successful victory over cancer in 1990, and his courageous 11-month battle with cancer. She was a devoted mother and placed everyone's needs before her own. She was a loving daughter who helped nurse her mother, her mother in-law and father in-law during prolonged illnesses.

Dolores was a member of several churches throughout the years, including St. Stanislaus, St. John the Baptist, and Corpus Christi. She was an enthusiastic sports fan, particularly when it involved her children, grandchildren, Notre Dame or any NFL team.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 26, at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, in St. Anthony's Church, 2120 E. Jefferson Blvd. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to either the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or The Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, 363, E. Campo Abierto, Suite 105, Tucson, AZ 85718.