Rosemary Kay Onderdonk

September 13, 1936 ~ October 17, 2025 (age 89)

Rosemary Kay Onderdonk, of South Bend, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Ernestine M. Raclin House in Mishawaka at the age of 89. She was born to the late Kenneth and Rose (Balint) Cox on September 13,1936 in South Bend, where she remained a lifelong resident of the area.

On April 23,1955 in South Bend she was united in marriage to Donald J. Onderdonk who preceded her in death on March 27, 2023. She is survived by daughters, Jennifer (Chris) Hawkins of Valparaiso, Kristin (Mike) Weaver of Goshen, and Lisa (Todd) Peters of Greenwood, IN. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Rosemary worked as a secretary for the University of Notre Dame for 30 years before her retirement in 2000.  She was an avid fan of the Fighting Irish Football Team and was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of attending a bowl game this past January when she was taken on a whirlwind trip to Miami, FL to cheer on the Irish at the Orange Bowl by her grandson Joel and wife Erin.  Rosemary volunteered for the Campfire Girls of America for several years and supported the YWCA Women’s Shelter of South Bend with annual donations for over a decade.  Following retirement, Rosemary enjoyed playing cards with friends, traveling the world with her husband, who she lovingly referred to as, “Mr. Wonderful”, spending time with her grandchildren and cuddling with her constant companion, Bella.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N. Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family in the church chapel, 1/2 hour prior to Mass. Palmer Funeral Homes – Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rosemary’s honor may be made to YWCA – Women’s Shelter of South Bend, 1102 Fellows Street, South Bend, IN 46601 or to the Center for Hospice Care, specifying in the special instructions for the donation to go towards the Ernestine M. Raclin House. 

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

10/31/2025 DEC

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Rosemary-Onderdonk