Submitted by: Dan Rich

Bertha Julia Kluszynski

Oct. 7, 1917 - July 4, 2008

South Bend Tribune 7/10/2008
SOUTH BEND - Bertha Julia Kluszynski, 90, passed away in her home on the afternoon of July 4th at the age of 90. Bertha was born in South Bend on October 7, 1917, to Gusztav and Terez (Papai) Szokolich, and was a lifelong resident of the Michiana area.

On June 27, 1937, in South Bend, as Bertha Julia Szokolich, she married Joseph M. Kluszynski, who preceded her in death on October 31, 1975. They raised three sons and two daughters, Joseph F. (Margaret) Kluszynski of Mishawaka, Robert E. Kluszynski and John C. Donovon, both of South Bend, Rosemary Kluszynski, deceased, March 13, 1943, and Mary Margaret Kluszynski, deceased June 20, 1954. Mrs. Kluszynski leaves behind five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren whom she loved and cherished. Her grandchildren are Stephen J. (Kara) Kluszynski, Damian G. Kluszynski, Brendan A. (Stacy) Kluszynski, Jeannine M. Kluszynski and Julia A. (Aaron) LaCava; her great-grandchildren are Christian, Isabel, Christopher, Caitlyn and Alexander. A sister also survives, Marie Wiseman of South Bend. Numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews also survive. Preceding her in death were her loving husband; two daughters; four brothers, August, Alex, Joseph and Frank Sokolich; and two sisters, Theresa and Clara. Bertha was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who always placed her family above all. She was a homemaker who had many different jobs over the years. She worked at Studebaker, Food Services at Notre Dame, and many housekeeping positions. She worked at Marian Hill, then transferring to St. Paul's Retirement Community where, at 80 years of age, she retired in 1997. She will be sadly missed by her loving family, her church family, and all who had the opportunity to know her during her wonderful life journey. She was a member of Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church and the Legion of Mary. The family request, in lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to the Our Lady of Hungary Building Fund in care of the church.

A memorial Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, in Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to service time in the church. Rev. Lawrence Teteh will officiate and burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, South Bend. The HANLEY & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home, located at West Ireland Road/Indiana 23, South Bend, handled arrangements and extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Kluszynski family.