Lorraine Werntz

Feb. 21, 1933 - Feb. 12, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Lorraine “Waynie” Werntz, 82, of South Bend, IN, passed away after a heroic battle with cancer, at 1:04 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2016 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on February 21, 1933 to the late Joseph and Mary (Varmesko) Talarico in Joliet, IL, and has lived in South Bend since 1939. Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by a daughter, Robin Mott; and a sister, Lois Coker.

Lorraine graduated in 1950 from Riley High School. Lorraine retired in 1998 from Workforce Development in South Bend, IN, where she worked as an Administrative Assistant for 16 years. She previously worked at the State of Indiana Employment Agency, and the South Bend Clinic.

Lorraine is survived by a daughter, Lori (Jim) Robinson of Granger, IN; three sons, Robert Werntz of South Bend, IN, John (Carole) Werntz of Mishawaka, IN and Joe Werntz of Jensen Beach, FL; eight grandchildren, Lisa Miller, Sarah Mott, Joey Mott, Samantha Werntz, Tommy Mott, Robert Werntz, Harper Robinson, and Hayden Robinson; one great-grandchild, Neiko Werntz; a sister, Jean Mabry of South Bend, IN; and many nieces & nephews.

She was a lifelong parishioner at St. Matthew Cathedral, a huge Notre Dame fan and lived in the same home for 51 years. She was known by family and friends as a wonderful baker and exceptional cook. She enjoyed tending to her flowers and loved the outdoors, especially relaxing on her swing. Lorraine was an extremely caring and loving soul who cherished every moment with her family. Her wisdom and great sense of humor were the pillars of her character.

Lorraine's family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Bilal Ansari and the staff at Hematology Oncology, Dr. Tim Noveroske, Dr. Chow, Dr. Nasser, Dr. White, Dr. Winn, the 7th floor staff at Memorial Hospital, and Juan, Becky, and all the nurses in the ICU for their compassion and expertise in caring for Lorraine.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend, IN. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society , 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545; or American Heart Association , Midwest Affiliate, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.

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