Benita "Nita" June Bickel

Benita June “Nita” Bickel, age 82 of Mishawaka, went to be with the Lord on March 9, 2024.  Nita was born September 17, 1941, in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Benjamin and Margaret (Phelan) Taghon.  She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, class of 1959, and on October 27, 1962, she married Raymond Bickel at Queen of Peace Church in Mishawaka, creating a love story that spanned 61 years.

She is survived by her husband Raymond Bickel of Mishawaka and their daughters Karen (Pete) Shorter, Laura (Tom) Jacko, and Leslie (David) Metcalf, and 7 grandchildren: Allison (Jared) Weldy, Brison Shorter, Olivia Jacko, Hannah Jacko, Mary Grace Jacko, Lexie (Eric) Galbraith, and Nolan (fiancé, Katie Joers) Metcalf. Surviving as well are 5 great grandchildren: Mya and Nash Weldy, and Brynlee, Charlotte and Ellie Galbraith. Nita is also survived by her sisters Marilyn Maurek and Annie Humphrey and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Maria and her sisters Josephine Baert, Lauretta Zellmann, and Marjorie Plonski.

Visitation will be held from 2-5pm Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral (formerly Goethals and Wells) with a rosary service to begin at 5 pm. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 11am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka, with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

She spent many years as a homemaker, devoted mother, and active participant in her children’s lives. She volunteered her time as a member of the PTA, organizing school sponsored events, chaperoning field trips, and putting on festivals for the school throughout the years.  She also loved cheering on her grandchildren in all of their school programs and sporting events. After her daughters were grown, Nita took a position in the accounting department at Sears, spending 25 years with the company before her retirement.

A devout member of St. Monica Catholic Church, Nita was strong in her faith. She dedicated her time to the Rosary Society, served as a Eucharistic Minister, imparted her spiritual wisdom as a valuable member of the CCD program and Vacation Bible School.  Nita was active in the Mishawaka community as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Democratic Party. She also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, reading a good book and enjoying her favorite TV shows, particularly the "Today Show" and Hallmark movies.

Nita cherished the time she spent with her family. Regular phone calls and conversations with her extended family kept those she held dear connected. In her younger years, her patience was evident as she took time from her day to teach several of her nieces and nephews how to drive.  Nita was always fond of the times she was able to spend with them during the holidays, especially their semi-annual family reunions, the Taghon family 4th of July Campout, and Christmas party where all of her favorite “WE ARE FAMILY” memories were created.

In her memory, donations may be made to Catholic Charities or the Center for Hospice Care. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Nita’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.