Mary E. Derksen

Mary E. Derksen, 74, of South Bend, passed away Monday evening, April 28, 2014, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.

Mary was born October 17, 1939 in Mishawaka, a daughter of the late Charles and Dora (Walter) Baranowski. She was a 1957 graduate of Mishawaka High School and lived all of her life in the Mishawaka / South Bend area.

Mary married Theodore “Ted” Derksen on May 2, 1959 in St. Monica Catholic Church, Mishawaka.

Mary was a homemaker. She was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and at one time belonged to their Rosary Society. In recent years she enjoyed writing letters to family and friends. Mary was an avid bird watcher. She enjoyed Christian Music and was a woman of Faith.

Mary’s surviving family includes her loving husband of nearly 55 years, Ted; two sons, Richard (Joanna) Derksen of Dalton, Ohio and Ken (Pam) Derksen of South Bend; a daughter, Karen (Bill) Weber of Mishawaka; six grandchildren, John, Cassandra, Theo, Heather, Matthew and Liana; a great grandson, Wyett; and two sisters, Jeanette Pozzi of South Bend and Patricia Kulczar of Bremen.

Mary treasured the many friendships formed with her excellent and compassionate caregivers.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:30 am in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Road, Mishawaka, with Rev. John Eze officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery.

Friends may spend time with Mary’s family Thursday from 5 – 8 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka. Visitation is also Friday one hour before the Mass in the church.

Memorials are suggested to Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.