Nov. 11, 1918 — Feb. 1, 2014

Anna Czernisz, 95, of Dowagiac, died peacefully Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, in Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital, Dowagiac.

Anna was born Nov. 11, 1918, in the Ukraine. Having survived the concentration camps in Germany during World War II, she and her young son came to the United States to become American citizens and begin life anew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Katherine (Polechuk) Czernisz; her only son, Stanley John Czernisz; and two sisters in the Ukraine.

Anna often received “Yard of the Year” awards for the many beautiful flowers decorating her yard and surrounding her house. She was an amazing gardener. Anna was fiercely independent throughout her life and in everything she did.

Anna will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by two granddaughters, Jodie Hodges and Kimberly Czernisz, both of Mishawaka, Ind.; one grandson, Jonathan (Amy) Czernisz of South Bend, Ind. Her three grandchildren gave her five great-grandchildren and five great-great- grandchildren.

Family and friends will gather Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, when we will process to Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac for a graveside service at 11 a.m.

The family prefers memorials be made in Ms. Czernisz’s memory to Dowagiac Town and Country Garden Club, 6401 Park Road, Eau Claire, Michigan 49111.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.