VELMA M. TORZEWSKI

Feb. 20, 1920 - Feb. 10, 2007
SOUTH BEND - Velma M. Torzewski, 86, passed away at 4:00 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2007, in her residence. Velma was born on February 20, 1920, in Sopron Megye, Hungary, to Josef and Julia Szabo, and came to the United States when she was two years old.

She graduated from Washington High School in 1938, which was its first graduating class.

On May 17, 1941, in South Bend, she married Modest Torzewski, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Diana (Jeff) Morris of Webster Grove, MO, and Rebecca (Gordon) Martinczak of South Bend; five grandchildren, Mike (Kristi) Morris, Shannon Morris, Kelly Martinczak, Paul Martinczak and Kimberly Martinczak; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Ban, and by two brothers, Joseph Szabo and Paul Szabo.

Velma embraced the United States with enthusiasm as a community activist. She served on the St. Joseph County Council with special interest in the development of the county park system. Rum Village Woods held a special place in her heart, where she knew every ancient tree and the mushrooms at their base. She assisted many Hungarian immigrants in finding a place in our community and helped them in finding homes and jobs. Velma was employed by Robertson's Department Store and EH Tepe. She was a member of Our Lady of Hungary Church for almost 80 years and supported the school and church as PTA president and was a major fundraising chair for many years. Mrs. Torzewski was also a member of the DFV German Club Ladies Auxiliary and the St. Ann Society of the church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2007, in Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 Tuesday in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 S. Kemble Avenue, where a Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County. Velma will be fondly missed by all.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Feb. 11, 2007.

05/25/2023 EJS

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