Susan H. (Kmitta) Ollan

South Bend - Susan H. Ollan, 71, of South Bend passed away at her home on October 20, 2021, with her daughter and beloved dog Marlee by her side after a courageously fought second battle with ovarian cancer.

Born July 13, 1950 in South Bend, Indiana. Devoted mother to Ahndrea (Ryan) Van Den Elzen. Adored "Bubbe" to Andrew, Charlie, and Edward Van Den Elzen. Dear sister to Mary Ellen (Roscoe) Joseph, Kathy Williams, and Thomas (Melinda) Kmitta. Cherished "Aunt Susie" to many nieces and nephews. Good friend to countless.

She was preceded in death by parents Thaddeus "Ted" and Evelyn (DeBuysser) Kmitta and brother-in-law Arthur Williams.

Susan loved the company of friends and family, cooking, reading, and pretty much anything leopard print. She enjoyed having her grandsons over for pizza making and slumber parties. She delighted in trading stories about grandkids and pets with family, friends, and strangers standing in line at the grocery store alike. She enjoyed summer festivals and marathon Christmas cookie baking sessions. She made the best kielbasa anyone ever tasted. She remembered your birthday and was there for you if you needed her. She was also a pretty mean bowler and euchre player back in the day.

To all of the family, friends, neighbors, and nurses who reached out, helped out, and let Susan know she was loved: thank you. You were the source of immeasurable joy and encouragement that sustained her in her final months.

A private memorial service will be planned at a later date. Contributions in memory of Susan can be made to Pet Refuge, Inc., 4626 Burnett Dr., South Bend, IN 46614.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Posted online on October 23, 2021

10/23/2021  EJS