Jeanne Hattie (Koperski) Sommers

Jeanne Hattie Sommers, 86 of South Bend died on June 24, 2011 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Jeanne was born on July 15, 1924 to Henry and Hattie (Kwiatkowski) Koperski in South Bend. They preceded her in death along with her only brother, Henry Koperski Jr and his wife, Beatrice.

A lifetime resident, on October 16, 1948 she married Ernest John Sommers at St. Joseph Catholic Church - the union lasting for 62 years. Ernie passed away just five months ago on January 24. Together they raised two boys, Edward (Ann) and Stephen (Susan) and were blessed with four grandchildren Amanda, Lisa, Jenny and Jonathan.

From the day the adoption agency notified them of each of the boys, she was 'Mom' Her priorities were her husband, sons and their families. From helping at Holy Cross Grade School - she was one of the original 'bunday ladies'- to going to band jobs, sporting events, or working at the print shop, she supported her kids.

Jeanne was a proud graduate of Central High School attending every reunion they had. After high school she took a job with Electro-Voice in Buchanan. There she met her best friend, Velma Chasey. Velma and Jeanne, both members of the South Bend Bowlers' Hall of Fame, enjoyed numerous bowling (shopping!) trips until Jeanne's health began failing. Jeanne was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, their Altar Rosary Society and Harvest House. She was also a member of St. Casimir's Senior Citizens' Club.

Any family get-together made Jeanne happy. 'Santa' left presents for the grandkids even when they were in college! She enjoyed hunting for and giving the kids Precious Moments and Beanie Babies. She enjoyed knitting afghans as she watched TV or traveled in the car. But without a doubt, the highlight of the year was 'Mrs. Sommers' Annual Fireworks Display.' She enjoyed watching the sky light up and hearing the cheers from the family and friends that gathered to enjoy them too. Fourth of July will not be the same without her.
Jeanne's two nieces, Barbara and Darlene Koperski of Chicago Heights, IL, were the first children in her life and 'the girls' were always dear to her. Her cousin, Margie Guzicki, also held a very special place in her heart.

Her pets brought her a lot of joy over the years. There was always a Boston Terrier to roam the house. Even as her condition worsened, her dog, Emma, and cat, Aurora, along with her boys' dogs, always made her smile.

Please join the family in their farewell to Jeanne. Visitation will take place Monday, June 27, 2011 from 2 to 8 pm at Kaniewski Funeral Home, Bendix Dr. Rosary will be offered at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Vassar and Wilbur Streets at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. Entombment will be at Resurrection Gardens, St. Joseph Cemetery where she and Ernie will rest next to each other.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct, South Bend, IN 46637. Not enough can be said about the staff there. We thank them for the care and support they showed to all of us. Online memories and condolences may be left at kaniewski.com

A life well lived is not soon forgotten. Rest peacefully Mom... ..we love you.

KANIEWSKI FUNERAL HOME

3545 N. Bendix Drive
South Bend, IN
(574) 277-4444

INTERMENT

ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY

24980 SR 2
South Bend, IN

08/12/2021 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southbendtribune/name/jeanne-sommers-obituary?id=13762248