Rose Clara Pischalko, 100 / June 19, 1911 — Dec. 9, 2011

Published 9:03 pm Monday, December 12, 2011

Rose Clara Pischalko, 100, died Friday at 7:35 p.m. at Forest Glen Assisted Living, where she had been a resident since March 2010. She was a long-time resident of both Dowagiac and South Bend.
She was born June 19, 1911, in South Bend to Frank J. and Rosy (Abraham) Sauer. On May 30, 1931, she married Steve J. Pischalko at Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church in South Bend. He preceded her in death on May 18, 1992.
She is survived by her daughter, Betty Jane Horvath of Granger; her son, Steve (Joyce) Pischalko, Granger; seven grandchildren, Vickilyn (David) Fleisher, Dowagiac, Leslie Horvath, Bakersfield, Calif., Donald (Kim) Horvath, Evansville, Ind., Teresa (James) Savidge, Dowagiac, Michele Pischalko, Duvall, Wash., Steve Pischalko, South Bend, and Melanie Pischalko, Olympia, Wash.; nine great-grandchildren; and 29 great-great grandchildren; along with two nephews and one niece.
She worked as a seamstress at Wilson Brothers and operated a cleaning service for 1st Source Bank. In addition, she worked on the family farm in Dowagiac. She loved gardening and preserving goods, along with growing an array of flowers – she had a “green thumb.”
However, most important to Rose was her family. She loved being surrounded by family and friends and entertained them graciously throughout the years, always making sure there was plenty of food with her well-known invitation of “have some coffee and cake, honey.”
She had a quick wit, a loving smile and a twinkle in her eye. These characteristics she carried with her throughout life as she gave to others the joy of living.
The family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at McGann Hay Funeral Home, Granger Chapel, 13260 S.R. 23 (enter off Cherry Road), where the Holy Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m..
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, S.R. 933 North at Darden Rd., South Bend, Rev. Neil Wack, CSC, Pastor.
Contributions in memory of Rose may be made to Hospice at Home, 4017 Chamberlain Road, Buchanan, MI 49017.
To send condolences to the family or for directions log on to: www.mcgannhay.com.