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In Memory

Carolyn A Diedrich (Jena) - Class Of 1955 VIEW PROFILE

Carolyn A Diedrich (Jena)

Carolyn A. (Diedrich) Jena

May 14, 1936 ~ January 9, 2021 (age 84)

Carolyn Ann Jena, 84, of South Bend passed away at 7:03 p.m. Saturday, January 9th in her residence surrounded by her loving family following an illness.  Carolyn was born May 14, 1936 in South Bend to the late Gertrude (Middag) and William Diedrich. On November 26, 1955 in South Bend as Carolyn A. Diedrich married George E. Jena who preceded her in death May 21, 1995.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Mary Jena; two sisters, Marian Megyese and Dorothy Reith; and three brothers, William, Bus, and James Diedrich.  She is survived by her children, Brenda J. Frick (Eric), David C. Jena (Julie), Scott A. Jena; and Bruce E. Jena, all of South Bend; eight, grandchildren, Amanda Frick (Judi Stayback), Andrea Canarecci (Joe), Joseph, Mariah, Tyler and Jessica Jena and Melinda and Sarah Riling; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Carolyn was a graduate of James Whitcomb Riley High School where she was a member of the synchronized swim team.  While attending Riley her lifelong friend, Judy Baker, introduced her to a handsome young man named George.  George became the love of her life.  Carolyn and George shared forty great years of marriage resulting in a broad and beautiful family.  

Carolyn devoted her entire working life to the South Bend Community School Corporation, dedicating over 30 years of work to the children and educators of South Bend.   

Upon retiring, she enjoyed traveling; often calling in from far away ports she’d visited during cruises.  She achieved a mastery of crochet and needlework, resulting in beautiful prayer shawls and more.  During retirement, Carolyn was also very devoted to family, enjoying a regular luncheon with cousins and celebrating many joyful days spread across her family.  She never missed a birthday or holiday, always ensuring every special day was celebrated with a handwritten greeting card.  Her devotion to family ensured she never missed a celebratory gathering either.  You’d always be sure to find Carolyn, or as the grandchildren called her, “Oma”, at every family gathering, quite likely enjoying a scotch, neat, with just a drop of water.  She was a woman of great class and the most caring heart.  She will live on through the many lives she touched and made better, most especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that were so blessed to know her.     

Cremation will take place with a private graveside service to be held at a later date at Highland Cemetery.  Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.  

Memorial contributions in Carolyn’s name may be made to Northwest United Methodist Church, 21855 Brick Rd., South Bend, IN, 46628 where Carolyn was a long time member.  Family and friends may leave email condolences at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn A. (Diedrich) Jena, please visit our floral store.

01.24.2021  djb

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Carolyn-Jena



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