In Memory
MARTHA CLAIR PIESZAK
Aug. 1, 1922 - June 23, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Martha Clair Pieszak was born in South Bend to Joseph and Bertha (Palicki) Pieszak. Her parents preceded her in death -- her father in 1968 and her mother 1972. Martha is survived by cousins in South Bend and in Poland. All her life Martha was a learner -- as a student, a traveler and a teacher.
After graduating from South Bend Washington High School and a few years of working at Wilson Brothers and Studebaker to amass funds, Martha studied at St. Mary's College and acquired a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences. Later she earned a Master's in Education from Notre Dame. Further studies took her to Ivy Tech and Southwestern Michigan in computer related subjects. Unwilling to set aside her studies, she also enjoyed classes at the Forever Learning Institute, especially in history and language arts. She shared her love of learning and study with students in several schools.
She taught 6th grade at Christ the King 1957 to 1959; at Holy Family 1959 to 1961; Warren 1961 to 1967; and 7th and 8th Grade English at Grissom Middle School 1967 to 1972. Besides studying and teaching, she enjoyed traveling, going to Poland in 1972 to 1975, Ireland and England in 1987 and throughout Europe (France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland) in 1956. After retiring from teaching, Martha worked for Manpower and the Bendix Corporation Data Center from 1982 to 1987, using her computer skills.
Martha was a welcome member and eager participant in many organizations throughout her life. A talented secretary and organizer, she served the Chopin Fine Arts Club as Publicity Chair and as the Chaplain for ZB Falcons Nest #80, and received the Silver Legion of Honor. For several years she was the ticket chair for the annual Polish "Oplatek" Christmas dinner, sponsored by the American Relief Committee for Free Poland. During the years she lived at Walnut Grove, she served as secretary to the Board of Directors. Although technically retired, she continued to be deeply involved in these other projects. One of her favorite activities was to help present the Lira Ensemble, a dance group out of Chicago featuring authentic Polish arts, when they gave a local performance. Any of these would welcome donations in her memory.
Her sports activities included the St. Matthew Golf League for which she acted as handicap / scorekeeper; the MR Falconet's Golf League; and the Martin's Ladies Bowling League at Chippewa Bowl. She continued these activities well into her 80s and for a long time she resisted using a cart for golfing, since she was always concerned to foster healthy habits. Martha's faith was very important to her; she was a lifelong member of St. Hedwig Church. Although her principal roles were as a choir member and lector, she was always ready to "help out" wherever and however needed by the parish. She will be sadly missed by a multitude of friends from the parish, the schools and her many other activities.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Friday, June 28, 2013, in St. Hedwig Catholic Church, where a one hour visitation will take place prior to Mass. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, is assisting the family. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net .
Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 27, 2013.
05/11/2023 EJS
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