June
9, 1935 - Dec. 22, 2009SOUTH BEND - Patricia Mae Smuda, 74, of South Bend, IN, formerly of Lexington Street, passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at Fountainview Place in Mishawaka, IN. Patricia was born June 9, 1935, (on her father's birthday), in South Bend to Reed and Bessie (Day) Bourdon. She had been employed with Tower/Standard Federal Bank and the South Bend Tribune. On September 29, 1956, Patty Mae married James J. Smuda (Jimmy) who survives. Also surviving are her seven children: Janet Krouse of Mishawaka, Mary (Dan) Sexton of Mishawaka, Doris (Chuck) Housand, of South Bend, Carol Smuda of South Bend, Donna (Dave) Fredericks of South Bend; sons, Carl (Michelle) Smuda of Gardnerville, NV, John (Melissa) Smuda of Midlothian, VA. Also lovingly surviving are her grandchildren: Nathaniel Krouse; Adam Skarbek and Sarah Housand; Vinny and Hannah Fredericks; Veronica Smuda and Ann Marie Smuda-Hansen; Elizabeth, Alex and Jacob Sexton; Robin and Emily Smuda; Charlotte, Jacob, Haley, Nathan and Zachary Smuda; and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Marie Shelton. Sisters, Janice Burp, Joyce Burbank, Jackie Corner, and brothers, Sam and Tom Bourdon all preceded her in death. Patricia was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where she sang in the Choir, was past president of the Rosary Society, changed candles in the church, worked in the library, and with the hot lunch program. She had also worked with the Latch Key Program. Patricia lived in Germany in 1957-1958, while her husband served in the Army. She loved music and the South Bend Symphony. She played the clarinet and the piano, which lead her and Delores Cenkush to form the South Bend Central Alumni Band. She was known for her special talent with needle point which she enjoyed very much. Patty's love and strength will always be remembered with her legacy through her family and friends. In heaven she will still be Gus's Peppermint Patty! Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, December 27, 2009, at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, December 28, 2009, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Burial will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery. Following the service at the cemetery, friends and love ones are welcome to join the family at Post 50 on Bendix Drive for a luncheon. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or Hospice. To send condolences online, please visit Kaniewski.com.