Submitted by: Dan Rich

Natalie Szymczak

April 8, 1928 - Oct. 20, 2002

South Bend Tribune 10/24/2002

Natalie Szymczak, 74, of Bloomfield Place, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 20, in her residence.

She was born on April 8, 1928, in Poland, to Michael and Anna Pikuza, who preceded her in death. Natalie immigrated to Canada in 1949 with her first husband, Stanley Rozkiewicz, who is deceased. She relocated to South Bend, Ind., in 1955.

On Aug. 3, 1957, she married Stanley Szymczak, who survives her. Natalie is survived by her husband, Stanley; two daughters, Barbara (Ronald) Szczepanski of Stevensville, Mich., and Christine Szymczak of Boulder, Colo.; a son, Matthew (Kelly) Szymczak of Chevy Chase, Md.; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two sisters, Katherine Koternoha of St. Charles, Ill., and Maria Pikuza of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and by two brothers, Andrew Pikuza of Romeoville, Ill., and Casimer Pikuza of South Bend.

She had a passion for charitable organizations, especially the World War II groups since she lived in Poland during the occupation. She felt the reason she was able to continue to live in freedom was due to the efforts of the American military services. She was devoted to the Blessed Mary and was a prayerful and loving mother. She loved to crochet.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 24, in the ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road. Rosary will be said at 4:30 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, in Holy Family Church. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend.