Submitted by: Dan Rich

Pearl M. Gadacz

Nov. 25, 1926 - Nov. 2, 2008

South Bend Tribune 11/5/2008

SOUTH BEND - Pearl M. Gadacz, 81, entered into perpetual peace and rest with our Lord, being held in the arms of her loving daughters, Sharon Gadacz-Womack, South Bend, IN, and Diane Gadacz-Leyshon (Pearl's gentle and caring caregiver for many years) South Bend, IN. Pearl was born to the late William and Cathrine (Hopkin) Leyshon in Aberkenfig, South Wales, Great Britain on November 25, 1926 and enjoyed many wonderful years living in the family home, aptly called "Brooklands". Pearl married Hilary (Larry) Gadacz, South Bend, IN, in St. Robert's Catholic Church in Aberkenfig, South Wales, Great Britain on September 22, 1947. Pearl and Hilary met during WWII after Hilary was severely wounded (earned three purple hearts) during the fight of the Battle of the Bulge. Once the war ended, in order to continue his pursuit of this beautiful dark haired young ingenue, re-enlisted in the Army went back to Wales to marry and ultimately bring his new bride home to America. Pearl embarked on her first move from her beloved homeland aboard the QEII ship, to a new country, to a new culture and to a very loving and caring new family. Her late in-laws, Valentine and Catherine Gadacz, South Bend, IN, welcomed their new daughter-in-law with extreme love and open arms. Pearl became a naturalized citizen in 1957 and loved her new country immensely. Preceding Pearl in death were her husband, Hilary (Larry) Gadacz on September 23, 1992. Youngest child and only son, Roger F. Gadacz on April 20, 2008; son-in-law, James D. Womack on March 12, 2001 and newborn grandson, Jason Robinson (Leyshon); brothers, Gwyn Leyshon of England, Trevor Leyshon of South Wales and Idris Leyson of South Wales; sisters, Gwyneth Byrne of Florida and Murial Hill of England. Also preceding Pearl were unnamed newborn twin brothers, another unnamed newborn brother and newborn sister named Mary Leyson. Along with Pearls loving daughters, Sharon and Diane, those that survive her are her beloved grandchildren, Rachael Polizzotto of Mishawaka, IN, Angela Gadacz of Hobart, IN, Valerie Gadacz of Hobart, IN, and Adam Womack of South Bend, IN; a great-grandson, Frank James Womack of LaPorte, IN, whom Pearl cherished, loved and was very proud of. In addition, are her loving brother, Emrys Leyshon of South Wales, cherished sisters, Nancy Read of Florida and Edna Robson of Florida and countless family and friends in South Wales, Great Britain, England, France and the United States. Till we meet again Mam (Welsh for Mom), "Nos Da My Cariad" (Welsh for "Good Night My Love". Our family chain and hearts are irretrievably broken, It just being six months since we lost "our Rog" unexpectedly, just knowing you're together will give us the strength and fortitude, along with our faith to help us during this most trying time. You will be forever in our hearts and never forgotten. Per Mams wishes, cremation will take place and will be laid to rest in the spring in South Wales, Great Britain, along side her beloved parents and siblings.