Mary V. Karczewski, 81, of South Bend, IN, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, at 10:08 a.m. Thursday, February 20, 2025, following an illness.

She was born on May 23, 1943 to the late Kenneth James and Marian (Murphy) Tubbs in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong area resident. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Patrick Tubbs.

Mary graduated in 1961 from Adams High School and remained close to her high school friends whom she dearly loved.

She retired in July 2010 from Martin's Super Markets, where she worked as an Office Manager for 20 years on Western Avenue and then 11 years in Niles, MI.

Mary was formerly married to Donald Karczewski, who is the father of their children.  

Mary is survived by her daughter, Maureen (Michael) Lauer of South Bend, IN; three sons, Mark (Tonya) Karczewski of South Bend, IN; Matthew Karczewski of Granger, IN; Luke (Carrie) Karczewski of South Bend, IN; six grandchildren, Kenneth James (Sarah), Kylee, Jordan, Nicholas, Austin, and Julianna Karczewski; four great grandchildren, Cooper, Liam, Oliver, and Ava Karczewski; two sisters, Kathleen “Katie” Sweeney of Three Rivers, MI; Connie Hurley of Elkhart, IN; one brother, Jim (Diane) Tubbs of Raleigh, NC; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Tubbs of South Bend, IN.

Mary was a member of St. Joseph Parish, South Bend, IN.  She was an especially loving and caring mother. She treasured every moment spent with her family, especially game nights.  She loved attending sporting events and activities for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The time she spent babysitting her great-grandchildren was incredibly precious to her. Mary always put the needs of her family before her own. She enjoyed gardening, and cherished her time at the family cottage, lovingly built by her father. Mary enjoyed lunches and movie outings with her high school friends.  

A visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a Parish rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 226 N. Hill Street, South Bend, IN.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN.

 Memorial contributions may be made to: Riley Children's Hospital, Lung Cancer Research or Center for Hospice.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

02/25/2025 djb