Rita Helen (Janowczyk) Kuskye

Rita Helen Kuskye, 80 of South Bend passed away at 3:48 p.m. Thursday, April 29th at Ernestine Raclin House at the Center for Hospice Care following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Rita was born August of 1940 in South Bend and lived most of her life in the South Bend area. She worked in the Medical Field for over 45 years as a Medical Transcriptionist and retired from Memorial Hospital.

On April 8, 1986 in Las Vegas, NV, she married Charles R. Kuskye, her soul mate and love of her life, who proceeded her in death in 2015.  She was also proceeded in death by her parents, sister Leona Dvorak, brothers Fred and Ronald Janowczyk and stepson, Jonathan Kuskye.

Rita is survived by her children, Cheryl (William) Hilton of Alaska, Mark (Sheryl) Skibinski, and Lori Corpe.  Also surviving are stepchildren, Deborah Kuskye and Janet (David) Pace. Grandchildren Adam Hilton, Ashley Hilton, Jeremy Skibinski, Jennah Davis, Cennie Davis, Timothy Zultanski, Blade Corpe, & Ashlyn Corpe. Step-grandchildren; Heather England, Tanya (Jeff) Proud, Justin Pace, Jenna (Raphael) Ruiz, Todd (Beth) Weiss, Josh (Christina) Weiss, Kimberley (Brian) Wilkinson, Krista Kuskye and 28 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Audrey Janowczyk.

Rita was very proud of her Polish heritage and it showed in her love for cooking and baking for her family and friends, especially during the holidays. She always had a saying, “if you walk away from her table hungry, it was your own fault, not hers.” Her Polish holiday meals were always memorable for all that would attend year after year.

Rita and Charlie enjoyed their many trips to Las Vegas. Rita was a self-taught seamstress who could put together an outfit in one day and loved to collect angels.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m.  on Friday, May 7, 2021. 

Memorial contributions in Rita’s name may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Indiana (South Bend).  Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements.  Family and friends may leave email condolences at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

9/6/2021 EJS