Submitted by: Dan Rich

Virginia Rychuralski

Feb. 7, 1921 - June 10, 2008

South Bend Tribune 6/11/2008
SOUTH BEND - Virginia "Sissy" Rychuralski, 87, passed away Tuesday, June 10th, in Healthwin Specialized Care, South Bend. Virginia was born February 7, 1921, in South Bend, to Cecilia Margaret (Mikesell) and Orley Udell. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Udell; a brother, Bill; and her son, Bob. Virginia is survived by her husband, Danny of nearly 65 years; her daughter, Peggy of Granger; her son, Tom (Rosie) of Avon Park, FL; her granddaughter, Bridget (Mike) Filipski of Granger; her beloved great-grandchildren, Tony, Jessica and Danny Filipski of Granger; and a cousin, Cindy Melczek of Gahanna, OH.

Virginia graduated from Central High School in 1939. After high school Virginia worked at Don's Fiesta House where she met her lifelong friends and card playing buddies, Neve Woolley, Kelly Koz and Loretta Megyese. Virginia also worked at the Kewpee restaurant where she met her husband. Virginia worked at Blumes Pharmacy, Tuesley's Pharmacy and Goldblatt's Department Store, and ended her working years at L.S. Ayers. At that time Virginia and Danny moved to Apache Junction, AZ, for 14 wonderful years of retirement fun and sun activities. In those fun-filled years Virginia made some great friends and great memories that she often shared with us. Virginia returned home to South Bend so she could enjoy her grandchild and great-grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as grandma "Arizona." When Virginia was not with her family she could be found every Tuesday and Wednesday evening at the Mishawaka F.O.P. hall playing bingo.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12, in the HICKEY Funeral Home, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Cathedral of St. Matthew, South Bend. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or to the National Parkinson Association, 1501 NW 9th Ave., Miami, FL 33163. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Healthwin Specialized Care for the exemplary care and genuine kindness and concern with which they treated Virginia. Thanks also to Fr. Ron Trippi from Christ the King Parish. Fr. Ron went above and beyond to ensure that Virginia's religious needs were met. Also a very sincere thank you to Dr. Sweeney, emergency room physician at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend.