In Memory
Kelly S. (Gapinski) Winkel
Kelly S. (Gapinski) Winkel, 40, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away surrounded by family on June 28th, 2024.
She fought fiercely and courageously during her year long battle with cancer. She is no longer in any pain and now is an angel watching over our family. We didn’t understand this whole plan but she left her mark on this world by providing a life for three beautiful children.
Kelly’s loving spirit will continue on through her best friend and devoted husband Carl Winkel, our beautiful little blessings, Madison (5) , Mia (3) and Maverick (1) . On earth she is leaving her parents , Tom and Sue Gapinski , sister, Kaity (Joe) Ta, brothers, Christopher (Karen) Gapinski, Kenny Gapinski and amazing in-laws Ed and Kay Winkel; along with the many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews that she held close to her heart. She was the best, “chi chi” and will be deeply missed .
Kelly graduated from John Adams High School and played softball where she met and had the best long lasting friendships. She loved life, people, her amazing coworkers and patients at memorial pediatric hematology oncology. She worked full time almost to the end during this difficult journey with their support. She had two major goals before life end and one was to make sure that she made it through Mavericks first birthday and she crushed it!
We’re sure she is organizing the best parties with all her cherished friends and family that greeted her. She lit up the room like a disco ball with her dance moves, singing voice and her infectious laugh.
Death was not in her plan at 40 years old. We will never understand the, “why’’s and “what ifs”. This journey shouldn’t be anyone’s journey however, it was hers. One of the most important lessons this journey has taught me is that your plans and God’s plans rarely align. So, remember when you are making your plans, they really are tentative.
Dance like you never danced before and sing your heart out Kelly, “You will forever be my always” -Carl
Visitation will be Friday, July 5th from 3-8pm with rosary at 3:30 at Kaniewski Funeral home on Bendix in South Bend. Catholic mass will be at St. Anthony’s De Padua Church on Jefferson st in South Bend at 11 am July 6th with an hour of visitation before . Funeral procession to follow to St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Mishawaka.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an educational fund for our children, in c/o Carl B. Winkel at Community Wide federal Savings
06/30/2024 EJS
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