Edith “Vicki” Kardoss Bruckner, 86, died at 3:10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at her home of an extended illness.

Visitation will be at the First Presbyterian Church, 13 S. Fourth St., Niles, on Friday, Oct. 2, beginning at 1 p.m., with the funeral following at 2 p.m.

She was born on Sept. 4, 1923, in Debrecen, Hungary, to Geza and Klara (Gyarmathy) Kardoss.

On Dec. 17, 1945, in Germany, she married Edward Bruckner. They immigrated to the United States in October of 1950.

She worked for a short time as a lab technician at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Ind.
Her career encompassed more than 36 years of research at Notre Dame Lobund Laboratories. She was an award-winning scientist and published numerous papers on her research.

Her Christian faith sustained her throughout her life and she was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Niles.

She volunteered at Saint Joseph Hospital and for Meals on Wheels, after she retired.
She is survived by her three children, Dr. Geza (Beverly) Bruckner of Versailles, Ky., Nicholas (Darlene) Bruckner of Niles and Edith (Bill) Murray of Edwardsburg; seven grandchildren, Kimbal (Lyn) Bruckner, Marcie (Jimmy) Sewell, Geza (Kelly) Bruckner, Akos (Sherry) Bruckner, Bela (Stephanie) Bruckner, Katrina (Shawn) Yoder, Marika (Craig) Zandstra and 17 great-grandchildren with the 18th due in November.
She took great joy in being surrounded by her family, contributed to the Hungarian community and was a loving friend to many.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rafat Ansari, Toni Klatt-Ellis, Dr. Doctor and Hospice for their compassionate care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Niles.
Arrangements were by Halbritter Funeral Home.