Submitted by: Dan Rich
July 2, 1918 - Jan. 11, 2008
South Bend Tribune 1/13/2008
SOUTH BEND - Elizabeth "Betty" Lanchsweerdt, 89
of South Bend, passed away Friday, January 11, 2008, in Regency
Place. Elizabeth was born on July 2, 1918, in South Bend, as the
daughter of Anton and Elizabeth (Pinter) Sayer. She
was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Marge, Rose
and Irene; and six brothers, Alex, Tony, John, Steve, Louie and
Eddy. Betty was two years old when her father died and was raised
by her stepfather, Vincent Gerencer until his death.
On May 25, 1940, in Our Lady of Hungry,
South Bend as the former Elizabeth Sayer, she married Alphonse
Lanchsweerdt, who preceded her in death on January 24, 2000.
Surviving are a daughter, Pat Kwiatkowski of South Bend; a
son, Ron (Bernadine) of North Liberty; three grandchildren, Tim
(Judy) and Todd Kwiatkowski and Laurie (David) Villenueva;
five great-grandchildren, Brittany, Michael and Heather
Villenueva, Hayli and Sarah Kiwatkowski.
Betty worked at Ball Band in the Shoe room,
for Wilson Brothers, for A&P Grocery store and was a crossing
guard at St. Adelbert's. She loved playing BINGO, dancing,
bowling, and music. Most of all, she loved being with her
grandchildren and having family get-togethers. She was a member
of the DAV #39 Ladies Auxiliary, William Penn Club and Eagles
Bowling League where she was Captain.
Family and friends may visit from 3 to 8 on
Monday, January 14, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street,
Mishawaka, where the holy Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. A
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday,
January 15 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, South Bend, with
Rev. Leonard Chrobot officiating. Burial will follow in Highland
Cemetery, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made in
Betty's name to; Diabetes Association of St. Joseph County,
United Health Services, 711 E Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617
or to Southern Care, 310 W. McKinley, Suite 340 Mishawaka, IN
46545.