JUANITA M. DEMPSEY

May 6, 1949 - July 25, 2011
SOUTH BEND - Juanita Marie Dempsey, 62, of South Bend departed this life after a short illness on July 25, 2011 in Hospice House, South Bend, IN. Juanita was born on May 6, 1949. She was the daughter of Charles E. Dempsey, Sr., and E. Alberta Dempsey, who both preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn her passing a son, Andre' Dempsey of SouthBend, three brothers, Charles E. (Chip) Dempsey, Jr., (Patricia), Kenneth Dempsey, both of South Bend, IN, and Stephen Dempsey of Marlton, New Jersey and one sister, Phyllis Fields of South Bend. She also leaves to cherish her memory host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Juanita attended John Adams High School. She worked as a respiratory therapist at St. Joseph Hospital (South Bend) for 25 years until an injury made retirement necessary.

Nita, however, could not sit idle, she became committed to being a volunteer for as much community service as her health would allow. She served on the Board of the Northeast Side Community Center, was a volunteer panelist for the Juvenile Justice Advocacy program at the Robinson Community Learning Center. She was the Operational Chair of the South Bend Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), and a member of the Board of the Community Oriented Policing Leadership Council, serving as Chair of the Neighborhood Safety Committee. In March 2005, she was appointed by Mayor Luecke to the Board of Public Safety and was serving as President at the time of her death. Nita held meetings with the police and other city officials to address the drug issues in her neighborhood as well as other parts of the city.

She worked most of her adult life to make things easier for others including being a "foster" parent to several children.

The family would like to thank the ER staff in the yellow pod at St. Joseph Medical Center and the staff of the 3rd floor cardiac unit, and the staff of Hospice House for the excellent care extended to Nita during her time of need.

Family and friends may call from Noon to 2PM at Pentecostal Cathedral COGIC on Wednesday, August 3, 2011. A Memorial Service to celebrate Juanita's life will be held at 2PM. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary.