Sherry Ann (Kardel) Black

Sherry Ann Black, age 79 of South Bend, passed away with her family by her side at the Center for Hospice, Raclin House on January 25, 2023.  Sherry was born April 5, 1943, in South Bend to the late Harry and Viola (Kretchmer) Kardel. Sherry was a graduate of South Bend Washington Clay High School.  While she was in elementary school, she met a boy named Jerry Black and the two of them grew very fond of each other. Throughout their middle school and high school years, they began dating and on January 26, 1963, Jerry and Sherry were united in marriage at Christ the King Catholic Church. Jerry preceded her in death in June of 2021. With her passing, they are reunited again on what would be their 60th anniversary.

She is survived by her children Brian Black and Christine Black, both of South Bend and her brother Angelo (Amy) Kardel of Arizona.  Surviving as well are her grandchildren MaKayla Black, Anthony (fiancée Ilona Fitzke) Harris and Envy Clay along with her great-granddaughter Ava Fitzke. She was preceded in death by her sisters Sonja Allsop and Patty Chestnut.

Visitation will be held from 12-2pm Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home (Formerly Goethals and Wells) in Mishawaka, with funeral services to follow at 2pm.  Following her service, Sherry will be laid to rest beside her husband in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. A livestream of her funeral service can be viewed in the video player below starting at 1:45pm.

Sherry was employed by the School City of South Bend and Mishawaka in their cafeterias for several years prior to taking a position at the Meijer store on Portage Avenue, South Bend where she took great pride in greeting customers with a smiling face and warm welcome as they arrived to shop. At the age of 62, she decided to retire and spend more time enjoying the hobbies she loved- playing BINGO and Euchre, going to the Casino, and spending time with friends at the Clay Democratic Club where she was a longtime member.  Sherry also enjoyed volunteering with the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 624 in Roseland for many years.

Sherry will also be remembered as the quintessential “Polish Housewife” who was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to her family.  She truly loved being known as the life of the party and her wonderful sense of humor and zest for life will be greatly missed.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Sherry’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.