Born: Dec. 27, 1922

Died: Nov. 28 2012

Beva P. Krizinski, 89, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at her home surrounded by her family. Beva was born Dec. 27, 1922, in Dowagiac to the late Ward and Pearl (Bailey) Gwilt. Beva was preceded in death by her husband, Edward “Abe” Krizinski of 62 years. Beva and Abe were married in Dowagiac on July 26, 1941. While Abe went away to the U.S. Army to serve in World War II, Beva worked for many years waiting tables at the Wigwam Restaurant and developing her baking skills at the Dowagiac Bakery.

Beva is survived by her four sons, Bill (Sybil) Krizinski, of Dowagiac, Bruce (Carol) Krizinski, of Niles, Rick (Jo) Krizinski, of Dowagiac, Frank (Judi) Krizinski, of Dowagiac; a sister, Donna Lillie, of Dowagiac; and a brother, Ivan (Bernice) Gwilt ,of Dowagiac. Her grandchildren, Jodi (Randy) Hale, of Dowagiac, Shellie (Dean) Raymond, of Niles, Marci (Mike) Henry, of Dowagiac, Andi (Mike) Smallbone, of Dowagiac, Matt Krizinski, of Dowagiac, Nick Krizinski, of Lansing; and her great-grandchildren, Katie Hale, Dalton Raymond and Ally Hale.

Beva worked on the soldering line at Rudy Manufacturing and later at Sundstrand for 20 years, retiring in 1982. During her retirement, Beva was always on the go. She enjoyed her and Abe’s home away from home at Pitcher Lake, going out with the girls, sewing, cooking, canning, bingo, being a season ticket holder for the Notre Dame women’s basketball, the Golden Ages group, donating many baked goods to the Dowagiac Lion’s Club and Dowagiac Moose Lodge and actively participating in the monthly UAW Retiree’s luncheons. Mostly, Beva loved and enjoyed being around her family. She would entertain and cook for them, plan holiday functions and the Krizinski family reunions. Beva would can tomatoes and vegetables with them, sew with and for them, and spend numerous days at the pool with them. Beva was always there to lend a hand and help anyone who needed it.

Beva’s family will gather with friends on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, from noon to 1 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel with a memorial service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Beva will be buried at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens alongside her husband, Abe, at a later date. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or Cass County Cancer Society.