In Memory
Mary Rose (Nijak) Barbara
September 9, 1946 ~ August 13, 2026
Mary Rose Barbara (Nijak), 79, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Mary was born on September 9, 1946, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Clement J. Nijak Sr. and Anna M. (Dezamitz) Nijak. On December 26, 1970, in South Bend, she married the love of her life, Anthony John Barbara. Anthony preceded her in death in 2025.
Mary was a woman of strong faith and a giving heart. She faithfully served her community as a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul and as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Catholic Church and a member of Legion of Mary. Throughout her working years, Mary was co-owner of B&B Rubbish Removal, Inc. employed by Progressive Bakery and Strauss' Bakery in South Bend. She also worked at Kmart, where she was honored with a Customer Appreciation Award for her dedication and kindness to customers. She worked for Quick Video, John Hardy of a privately owned hamburger place back in the late 60s and early 70s called Hardy’s that used to be located on the corner of Haney and Michigan St.
Mary cherished her family and will be remembered for the love, warmth, and kindness she shared with those around her. Mary and her husband helped many people throughout their lives that most people don’t even know.
She is survived by her daughter, Ann Margaret Zimmerman of South Bend; granddaughter, Francesca (Anselmo) Guzman; great-grandson, Nikolai D. Mercer; great-granddaughters, Anastazia Guzman and Krissy Guzman; sister-in-law, Rose Mary Barbara; brother, Sylvester C. (Jenny) Nijak; and brother, Christopher M. Nijak (Judy).
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Anthony John Barbara; her brother, Clement J. Nijak Jr.; her sisters, Elizabeth Ann Thomas and Martha Jean Fulmer; and one great grandson James Brian R. J. Guzman and niece Christy Nijak.
Mary’s nieces and nephews are Dawn (Dennis) Springman, Terri Thomas Hively, Shirley Thomas Wright, Robin Thomas (Donald) Schultz, Jennifer Draskovits, Karen Hixenbaugh, Kristi Zentz, Tim Draskovits, Gary Nijak, Sherry Nijak, Christina Nijak, Jennifer Nijak, Katie, Rebecca, and Brenda Matuszkiewicz.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary's life on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
Mary's memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
08/19/2026 djb
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