In Memory
Lily A. Szymanski, 93, passed away peacefully at the Caring Cottage on July 17 2024. Lily was born April 5, 1931, on Easter Sunday, to the late John and Helen (Nemes) Bencsics. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 year, Louis “Dick” Szymanski, son Leonard “Bud” Szymanski, along with her siblings John (Evelyn) Bencsics, Helen (Bill) McClain and MaryAnn (John) Zanka, her in-laws Danny, Lucian and Clem Szymanski, Paul Cyr and Bob Zeman.
Left to cherish her memories are Laura (Joseph) Jakubowicz, Larry (Sharon) Szymanski, LouRon (Tina) Szymanski. Grandchildren Michael (Elizabeth), Zackery, Collin (Leah Tipton) and Nolan Szymanski, Kyle (Denise), Matthew (Melissa) Jakubowicz and Danielle (Jerry) Riley. Great grandchildren, Mason, Connor, Rosemary, Isla, Matthew, Mark, Maliyah, Laihlee & Zeti. Lily leaves behind her cherished nieces and nephews, especially Sandy, Debi and Linda whom she spent many special days with.
Lily graduated from Washington High School as a trumpet player in the marching band. She enjoyed singing and dancing and was a Hungarian Harvest dancer at Holy Trinity Church. Lily not only loved her family but her other passions in life included family camping trips including travel to Mount Rushmore in a pop-up camper, 4 kids and Tippy the dog, gardening, Polka dancing with Dick and making every holiday magical. She loved to fish, golf and take daily long walks especially when she lived on Knapp Lake. When her children were younger she never missed a dance recital, marching band performance or sporting event.
Travel was a true love of Lily’s and she was able to visit Poland, Russia, Portugal, Spain, Italy, South America, Mexico and most of the of the United States.
At the age of 17 she worked at Robertson's Department Store where she was the elevator operator, a story she loved to share with others. While at Robertson’s she became a model for their hair salon. Years later that picture was displayed at the the Studebaker Museum and hung in her bedroom until the time of her passing. Lily worked many years for Portage Construction Company, side by side with her sister MaryAnn, their days included hard work followed by lunch, dinner and shopping!
Growing up Lily attend Holy Trinity Episcopal church and while raising her family she was an active member of Saint John the Baptist, Holy Family and Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Syracuse.
Visitation will take place from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on July 31, 2024 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 State Hwy 933, South Bend, with mass to follow at 4:00 p.m. A celebration of life gathering will take place after mass at M.R. Falcons, 3212 Keller Street, South Bend.
In Lily’s honor, donations can be made to: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.
Posted online on July 22, 2024
Published in South Bend Tribune
ADDED 07/23/2024 GMS
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