Mary M. (Taberski) Manijak

Mary M. Manijak, age 91, passed away October 9, 2023, with her children by her side at her home in South Bend. Mary was born December 21, 1931, in South Bend, Indiana.  Mary was a member of the first class to graduate from South Bend Catholic High School. On September 29, 1956, she married Harry Manijak at Holy Cross Catholic Church in South Bend.  They celebrated 33 years of marriage before his passing in 1989.

Surviving are her children Sandy (J. Mike) Stansfield of Edwardsburg, Michigan and Mike Manijak of South Bend. Surviving as well are her grandchildren Corey Stansfield, Brian Velez, Andrea (Craig) Spradlin and Christoper Velez, and her great grandchildren Aubrey Phillips, Nolan Spradlin, and Makenna Spradlin.  She was preceded in death by her daughter Mikelene Velez in 2014 and her great-granddaughter Jalynn K. Swanson-Velez.

A private graveside service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in South Bend.  Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with Mary’s care.

Mary was a homemaker and enjoyed reading, gathering with her family to celebrate the holidays, and cooking and baking. She was a longtime member of Holy Cross Catholic Church where she volunteered her time with numerous clubs within the church and cared for others who were grieving as a part of the funeral luncheon committee.  Mary also loved to shop and was always well dressed when going out.

She will be remembered for her love of the simple things in life like her love for the Lord, her family, and caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family of Mary would like to give a huge thank you to the amazing staff at Harmony Cares Hospice in South Bend for caring for Mary. Their kindness is greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that all donations be made out to Riley Children’s Hospital. Donations can be made to rileykids.org or mailed to:

Riley Children's Foundation

500 N. Meridian Street, Suite 100

Indianapolis, IN 46204 US

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Mary’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.