July 27, 1915 -- Sept. 5, 2005

Frances J. Walkowiak, 90, of Brentwood Court, South Bend, Indiana, passed away at 10:10 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5, in the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care.

She was born July 27, 1915, in South Bend, to Stanley and Hattie Zielinski, who preceded her in death. Also deceased are three sisters, Theresa Milewski, Gladys Kulwicki and Celia Zielinski; a brother, Joseph Zielinski; a grandson, Wayne Louis Walkowiak; and a great-grandson, Adam Henry Lesniewicz. On May 21, 1935, in Starke County, Frances married Roman Walkowiak, who passed away on November 9, 1983.

Surviving Frances are her daughters, Lois (Melvin) Lesniewicz of South Bend and Constance (Steven) Hardy of Osceola; son, Ralph (Pauline) Walkowiak of Glenview, Illinois; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; sisters, Catherine Davidson of Traverse City, Michigan, and Florence Rafalski of South Bend.

She retired in 1987 from Olive Food Market where she and Roman were the owners. They were also the owners of Frosted Glass Bar. Frances was a member of the St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Church and the Teamster's Union. She took great pride in her garden and her home.

Visitation will be today, Sept. 8, 2005, from 2 to 8 p.m. in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. MAYFLOWER ROAD, where a Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, Sept. 9, 2005, at 10 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend

Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.