Patricia Margaret (Lalley) Witucki

Sep 3, 1937 - Mar 1, 2025

Patricia Margaret “Patty” Witucki, 87, of South Bend, IN, died peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Wellbrooke of South Bend assisted living facility.

Patty was born on September 3, 1937 in Bridgeport, Connecticut but was a lifelong South Bend resident, raised by her mother Margaret M. Lalley, who preceded her in death in 2002 at the age of 100. Patty attended Colfax Grade School, and was a 1955 graduate of South Bend Central High School.

On May 26, 1962 in Holy Cross Church, she married her high school sweetheart George Jerome “Jerry” Witucki. Jerry preceded Patty in death in 2005 after 42 years of marriage. Patty is survived by her daughter Jeanne Obringer of South Bend; two grandchildren, Jane (Matt) Obringer-Dunlap of Memphis, TN and JC Obringer of Bristol, CT; one great-grandchild, Cade, and another great-grandchild due in July. Patty was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Calvert and Loretta Lancaster, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ned and Rita Schwanz, niece Deborah Schwanz and nephew Patrick Schwanz. Patty is also survived by two nieces, Charlene Wiseman of LaPlata, MD, and Pam (Tony) Hymes of Strasburg, VA and cousins in Minnesota, Peggy (Ron) Young and Chuck (Sharon) Anderson. In addition, for over 70 years Patty had two half-brothers that she did not know existed. Within the last 10 years the brothers found and contacted Patty and the three of them established a bond that transcended all their time apart. Rick (Ann Marie) Lalley of South Thomaston, ME, and Fred (Cathy) Lalley of Noblesville, IN both survive.

Professionally Patty worked in several positions at the WNDU Stations for over 40 years. She spent the majority of that time as a radio sales executive selling advertising for the AM and FM radio stations. Notably Patty was the first woman in that position in the history of WNDU.

In addition to her WNDU work family Patty was regularly surrounded by a tight-knit group of friends from South Bend Central High School and from the firefighting community cultivated by her husband Jerry who was a 40-year veteran of the department. Patty and Jerry regularly hosted events with their friends and vacationed with them on many of Michiana’s various lakes. The Witucki’s backyard was always filled with an amazing display of flowers and vegetables. In 2001, the Art League of South Bend Museum of Regional Art featured their home for the Garden Walk Arts in Bloom XIII. Patty was a passionate card player enjoying poker and euchre with the adults and crazy 8’s and go fish with her grandchildren. In her spare time Patty enjoyed a good puzzle, crocheted, and knitted scarves for the homeless.

Family and Friends may visit from 11am-1pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wellbrooke of South Bend where Patty received excellent care for the last two years of her life or the American Heart Association.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

03/04/2025 EJS