In Memory
Gwen Oldfield
November 8, 1951 ~ November 13, 2025 (age 74)
Gwen Oldfield, beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025. She was born in South Bend, Indiana, on November 8, 1951, and grew up surrounded by family and community. Gwen graduated from Riley High School in South Bend and later earned her bachelor's degree from Ball State University.
Her career really began at Interiors, Etc. in Mishawaka, where she nurtured her love of antiques, interior design, and retail. That passion carried her to Seattle, where she continued to build a life centered on creativity and beauty. In 1990, Gwen met the love of her life, Barney Oldfield, and they married in March of 1991. Together, they shared a remarkable journey filled with adventure, laughter, and devotion to each other.
After a brief time in Seattle, Gwen and Barney moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where they opened The Back Porch, a gift and antique shop that reflected their shared vision and love for collecting treasures. Road trips all across the West became a cherished part of their lives, often spent visiting family in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Indiana, and browsing antique malls for unique finds to bring back to their shop.
Later, Gwen and Barney returned to South Bend to care for Gwen’s parents. Back home, Gwen continued her passion by opening an antique booth and offering her talents in interior design and retail display. Their return also brought renewed connections—deepening old friendships and creating new ones that enriched their lives.
Beyond her love of antiques and design, Gwen was also a very good artist and painter. Those who knew her will remember not only the spaces she transformed but also the art she created, which continues to inspire and uplift.
Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Barney Oldfield; her parents, Charles and Martha Finger; and her brother, Gary Finger. She is survived by her niece, Jennifer Allen; her nephew, Zane Finger; her sisters-in-law, Malia Finger, Robbie Oldfield, and Amy Oldfield (Wayne); her brother-in-law, Ladd Oldfield (Sue); Charles Moore, and many other cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and life-long, special friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Gwen will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures. Her legacy lives on in the spaces she designed, the treasures she collected, the art she painted, the lives she touched, and the love she shared with Barney, her family, and her many friends.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 4:00–5:30 PM at Kaniewski Funeral Home in South Bend. A funeral service will follow at 5:30 PM in the chapel of Kaniewski Funeral Home. Gwen will be laid to rest on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance of Gwen, honoring her life and legacy.
Donations can be made in remembrance of Gwen to: Michiana Partners for Parkinson’s or Rock Steady Boxing of Michiana, 50770-A State Rd. 933, South Bend, IN, 46637. www.rocksteadyboxingmichiana.com/donate.html
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gwen Oldfield, please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
Wednesday
December 3, 2025
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Kaniewski Funeral Home
3545 N. Bendix Dr.
South Bend, IN 46628
Funeral Service
Wednesday
December 3, 2025
5:30 PM
Kaniewski Funeral Home Chapel
3545 N. Bendix Dr.
South Bend, IN 46628
Burial
St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park
375 W. Cleveland Road
Granger, IN 46530
Added 11/19/2025 GMS
|