RUTH (BACHRACH) TULCHINSKY

Aug. 30, 1921 - Mar. 30, 2016
SOUTH BEND - Ruth Bachrach Tulchinsky was born in Eschwege, Germany, August 30, 1921, to the late Moritz and Flora (Hes) Bachrach. In South Bend, IN, on October 23, 1944, she was united in marriage to Maurice Tulchinsky, who preceded her in death, Sept. 29, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her son, Mark Tulchinsky (Nan), and brother, Joseph Bachrack (Ruth).

Ruth is survived by her children: Terry Tulchinsky (Jill), Jeffrey Tulchinsky and Judith Tulchinsky - Prawat (Greg); five grandchildren: Peter Tulchinsky (Hope), Sarah Baer (John), Daniel Tulchisnky (Hannah), Michael Tulchinsky (Sarah), and Melissa Tulchinsky; and great-grandchildren: Abbey, Emma, Luke, Payton, Jacob, Owen, Isabella, Joseph and Anna. Also surviving are a niece, Liza Bachrach (Dan Marshall), nephew, Steven Bachrach (Carmen Nitsche), and a cousin, Alice Schuster (Boris).

Ruth was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, teacher, community activist, Jewish scholar, fabulous cook, avid reader, historian, gardener, autobiographer, and in her last years, crocheted numerous baby blankets for the Jewish Federation. Her talents were deep and diverse.

Ruth came to America in 1937, as a refugee, fleeing Nazi Germany. In 1944 she married the love of her life, Maurice Tulchinsky. In the 1950s she worked at Northern Indiana Children's Hospital as an R.N., working with children ravaged by polio. At age 40, she received her Teaching Degree from Saint Mary's College and Master's from Notre Dame University. Ruth then began her next career teaching German and English at Central, Washington and Clay High Schools. After her retirement in 1984, she volunteered in the Mental Health field. She was the President of A.M.I., a Board Member of the local chapter of N.A.M.I. and worked to achieve increased awareness as well as improved services for the mentally ill in our community. Ruth's talents were exceptional and varied; she loved to garden, she was a homemaker who's cooking and baking skills were greatly appreciated by all. She was an avid reader, participating in various book clubs, up until this year, often leading the discussions. Her activism continued in her later years and helped contribute to telling the story of the S.B. Civil Rights Heritage Center (Natatorium). At age 80, Ruth was not done, she wrote her life story and provided our family with cherished reflections.

Mom was a generous, loving, caring person who never stopped believing the good in all of us. She possessed a terrific sense of humor and her independence and will forged a personality that was admired by all who knew her. Her life was a gift to her family and community and she will be greatly missed.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Richard Wein, the nurses and staff at the Inn at St. Paul's and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, as well as her loving caregiver, Jeff Tulchinsky.

Funeral services will be held TODAY, April 1st, at Sinai Synagogue, at 1:30 p.m., Rabbi Michael Friedland officiating. Graveside services will follow at Hebrew Orthodox Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Shiva will be observed on Sunday and Monday evening at Jeff and Ruth Tulchinsky's residence from 7-9 PM. Friends and family are welcome to visit during that time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Sinai Synagogue, the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph County, Center for Hospice Care, Mark Tulchinsky Memorial Teacher's Scholarship (ED Foundation of S.B.C.S.C), N.A.M.I. of St. Joseph County, or to the National Autism Association.

Condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on www.mcgannhay.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Apr. 1, 2016

05/25/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southbendtribune/name/ruth-tulchinsky-obituary?id=12662710