HARRIET P. (ZAREMBKA) BORKOWSKI

Oct. 11, 1918 - May 31, 2011
SOUTH BEND - Harriet Pauline Borkowski, 92, residing in South Bend, passed away at 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2011, in Providence House, where she had lived the last six years. She was born in South Bend on October 11, 1918, to Teofil and Julia (Gorney) Zarembka, and remained a lifelong area resident.

Harriet attended St. Hedwig Grade School and South Bend Central High School.

On July 14, 1936, in South Bend, she married Leo "Butch" Borkowski, who preceded her in death on February 5, 1993, after 57 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Alice Wintrode, Phyllis Meeks and Tillie Varga.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. We will all remember her for her kind and caring nature and her unconditional love.

Harriet is survived by her daughters, Sandra (Marshall) Brodbeck of Mishawaka and Diane (John) Small of Walkerton; four grandchildren, Vicki (William) Ralstin, Michael (Donna) VanKirk, John (Julie) Small Jr. and Susan (Kirk) Rader. Harriet is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, Jim and Kevin Ralstin, Tom, Tyler and Carly VanKirk, John Carl and Jessica Small, and Eric, Emilee, Sarah and Ryan Rader.

Harriet had many interests. She enjoyed finding little treasures in garage sales and flea markets. Walking was one of her favorite pastimes. She didn't drive, and if she wanted to go to the library, she walked and enjoyed the scenery on the way. Harriet loved good furniture, enjoyed playing cards, especially solitaire, and knew so many different ways to play it as she played by the hour. She was an avid mystery reader. She would read most of the mysteries in the library and could hardly wait for the new books to come out. Harriet was also very creative with sewing, crocheting and ceramics. She helped her husband, Leo, for many years at Leo's Grocery & Meat Market. She also worked for the Indiana Club and Randall's Inn prior to retiring.

Harriet was a member of St. Hedwig Catholic Church. Harriet resided at Providence House (Morning Point), and our family would like to give a special thank you to the staff there for all of the love and tender care they gave to our mother. We also want to give a special thank you to the Center for Hospice Care for their care and commitment to our mother and our family.

Funeral services for Harriet will be 2:00 pm Friday, June 3, 2011, in Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Friday in the funeral home prior to services. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy on behalf of Harriet may be made to The Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or to Alzheimer's & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 922 E. Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617. Online condolences to the Borkowski family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

When it's time to travel there, I think I'll wear a smile, I'll say goodbye to those I love, But only for a while, Knowing there are others Who have traveled there alone, Who cannot wait to greet me And to whisper "welcome home."

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 2, 2011.

01/03/2023 EJS