Bernadine "Bernie" Kurzawa

Bernadine F. Kurzawa, 84, a loving wife and mother,
passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on June 1, 2018. “Bernie,” as
she was called by family and friends, was born in 1934 to Harry and Frances
Berendt in Detroit, Michigan. She married the love of her life, Richard V.
Kurzawa on June 13, 1953 and together they happily raised 5 children.
She was a woman of great faith and had a strong devotion to our Blessed
Mother. She lived her life with love and compassion, sharing encouragement
with us all.
A woman of many talents, Bernie was blessed with a beautiful voice which
she shared with church and community. She was an accomplished seamstress,
not only creating clothes for her family but also sewing many vestments and
liturgical decorations for her former parish, St. Monica Church. She also
served as an administrator in the early years of the American Sewing Guild.
Bernie was a homemaker in every sense of the word. She loved cooking and
trying new recipes and all were welcome at her table.
Once her children were grown, Bernie went back to school and received
an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Marian University
in Indianapolis. She used her degree as a preschool teacher.
In addition to their loving involvement in the lives of their grandchildren
and great grandchildren, Bernie and Richard also enjoyed traveling
in retirement. They were active members of St. Monica Catholic Church,
sponsoring many couples in marriage preparation. Bernie and Richard were
married 58 years before he preceded her in death.
She is survived by her brothers: Harry (Marge) Berendt, Fr. Peter Berendt
(Passionist Priest); her sister and best friend, Theresa (Andrew) Mikulec;
her children: Diane (Chuck) Schwanekamp, Jeffrey (Cathy) Kurzawa,
James (Annette) Kurzawa, Karen (Jeff) Campbell, Lynn (Jeff) Henning;
grandchildren: Brent (Karisa) Schwanekamp, Alyssa (Nick) Tabacca, Daniel
(Hannah) Schwanekamp, John (Charlotte) Kurzawa, Cathryn (Anthony)
Davis, Jared Kurzawa, Joe (Julie) Kurzawa, James Kurzawa, Charlie Campbell,
Katlyn (Andrew) Robinson, Jacob Henning, Courtney Henning; and
17 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 6, 2018 from 4-8pm at Flanner Buchanan
– Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd. W. Dr., Indianapolis,
IN 46228, with a Rosary at 7:30. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday,
June 7, 2018 at 10am at St. Monica Catholic Church – 6131 Michigan Rd,
Indianapolis, IN 46228.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to: Hospice
of Central Ohio – 2269 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH 43055 or Dominican
Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist – 4597 WARREN ROAD,
ANN ARBOR MI 48105.