Elizabeth Ann Cierzniak

Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Cierzniak passed away peacefully on November 14th, 2023. She was born in South Bend, IN on February 16th, 1932.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Regina Cierzniak, and her brother, James Cierzniak. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Suzanne Cierzniak, and nieces and nephews, Mark (Libby) Cierzniak, Anne (Craig) Weber, John Cierzniak, Sara (Phil) Egnatz, and Ellen (Chris) Foster as well as seven great grand nephews and nieces.

Betty attended Thomas Jefferson (K-9) and John Adams High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Ball State University, where she was a founding member of the Phi Epsilon chapter of the Chi Omega women's fraternity. Betty earned a Master of Science in Education from Indiana University, Bloomington. She was a lifelong member of Saint Matthew Cathedral.

Betty spent much of her life lovingly caring for her mother, Regina. She was a devoted Aunt, sharing many memorable moments with her nieces and nephews. A favorite was watching The Carol Burnett Show together on Saturday nights and taking the South Shore Train to Chicago to shop. Later in life, she enjoyed following her favorite sports teams, especially the Chicago Bears.

As a dedicated and innovative teacher, Betty touched countless lives for over 40 years. She began her teaching career in Elkhart County and then settled in Portage, where she taught first grade at Aylesworth Elementary for most of her career. She loved teaching her students how to read and appreciate poetry.

She shared her creative passion for sewing and knitting with her family by making back-to-school clothes, matching holiday outfits, prom dresses, and a beautiful wedding dress of her design for her niece, Sara. Betty's baking was unmatched, and she had an affinity for reading cookbooks for new ideas for dinners and desserts.

A private Funeral Mass was held on Friday, November 17th, at Saint Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, IN. A memorial Mass and interment is to follow.

The family would like to thank Father Brian Carpenter, Father Herbert Yost, Kaniewski Funeral Home, and the loving staff and residents at Sanctuary of Saint Paul's Independent Living.

https://www.southbendtribune.com/obituaries/psbn0636434