South Bend - Sallie Joan( Kopczynski) Szymanski, 94, passed away peacefully in her home with her children by her bedside on Monday, March 7, 2016.

Sallie was born Nov. 17, 1921 in South Bend to the late Joseph and Angela (Kwestorowski) Kopczynski. On Feb. 9, 1946, Sallie married Bert Szymanski who preceded her in death on April 20, 2009. Sallie was also preceded in death by her brothers, Chester and Walter Kopczynski; and sisters, Josephine Nalepinski, and Frances Nowak.

Survivors of Sallie include her children, Lawrence Szymanski, Duane (Louise) Szymanski of Columbus, Joyce (Terry) Butler of Rensselaer, Beverly (John) Barry of Covington.; grandchildren, Tom and Craig Szymanski, Michael (Natalie Doyne) Barry, Robert (Kristin) Butler, Jackie (Richard) Miller; great-grandchildren, Caedon and Mikendra Szymanski, and Owen Miller.

Growing up as a member of the "Great Generation", Sallie helped shape and save this nation during the Great Depression, World War II, and after. It was her will and determination not to give up, even until the very end that fueled her desire to be a contributor to society. It is evident from her family values, work ethic, and religious faith that she was completely successful in achieving her goal.

After graduation from Washington High School in 1939, she worked at the Rose Fuel and Coal Company and The Wilson Brothers Shirt Factory until her husband of 60 years, Bert, and she starting raising a family in the late '40s and early '50s. After the last child was born, Sallie reentered the work force and retired in 1986, after more than 30 years of employment with Roach Appleton Corporation (RACO).

Beside her beloved family, Sallie's other interests included sewing, knitting, cooking, traveling with Bert, Home Extension-Greene Township Islanders, and in her later years, shopping at St. Vincent de Paul and Goodwill. Sallie also loved her coffee and ice cream. It was only her Dementia that slowed her down.

The family would like to thank the three caregivers that helped give continuous care to Mother for the last several years: Sue Collins, Vickie Williams, and Debbie Burke. It was their gentle and compassionate care that helped mother and the family to have closure.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held March 10 in Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial followed at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.

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