In Memory
Virginia (Piechocki) Mattens-Molenda
Virginia Mattens-Molenda, 100 years old of South Bend and Edwardsburg, passed September 29, 2024 while a resident at Friendship Village Health Center, Kalamazoo since 2022. She was born March 20, 1924 in South Bend. Over her century of living in the Midwest, she enjoyed making houses into “homes” in Granger, South Bend and Edwardsburg.
Virginia found her greatest joy in life while in service to her family. In 1944 she married Maurice Mattens who preceded her in passing in 1992. In 1996 she married Dr. Edward Molenda who passed in 2010. Both were WW II Navy Veteran husbands who greeted her with open arms and a salute as she entered the Celestial City. Also welcoming Virginia into heaven were her parents, Joseph and Harriet Piechocki, her four brothers, Eugene, Ernest, Richard and Ted Piechocki; sisters-in-law, Irene, Gloria, and Eileen Piechocki, and Mary Howard. Also her grandson, Geoffrey Mattens, and in-laws Julien, Ocarina, Ethel, Pat and George Mattens. A Polish reunion was enjoyed by angels and saints alike.
Surviving Virginia are her children, Roger (Carol) Mattens of Kalamazoo, Marcia (John) Stevens of Plainwell, MI, David (Diane) Mattens of Freeland, WA, and Valerie (Russ) Knapp of Edwardsburg, plus her extended family, Pat (Alfredo) Marin of Indianapolis, David Matthews of Ft. Wayne and Cathy (Mark) Hale of Redmond, WA.
Virginia also leaves 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Nancy Piechocki of South Blend and Kay Piechocki of Kalamazoo, plus numerous and beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and the Molenda family.
In addition to living a full life of service to God, her family, and countless friends, Virginia retired professionally from Miles Laboratories in Elkhart, following 25 years of employment. She served the Edwardsburg community as a past President of the American Legion Auxiliary and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, where she raised her family with a strong faith-based outlook on life.
Family and friends may gather from 9:00 to 10:30 AM Friday, October 4, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 24832 US-12 East, Edwardsburg where the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM by Father Raj J. Nathan, officiating. Burial will follow at Adamsville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are by Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.
Posted online on October 01, 2024
Published in South Bend Tribune
10/02/2024 EJS
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