Barbara R. Chmiel, age 89, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023. She was born on February 7, 1934 in South Bend, Ind. to the late Casimier and Monica (née Andrzejewski) Radecki. Barbara graduated from South Bend Catholic High School in 1952 and matriculated from St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing - Loyola University Chicago in 1955. She married Eugene "Pete" W. Chmiel on May 4, 1957 and served as a Registered Nurse with St. Joe Hospital for 26 years, retiring in 1995. Barbara was a member of St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church where she volunteered in the soup kitchen, Matthew 25 Clinic, sang in the choir and assisted with Evening Liturgy. She loved crocheting, sewing, counted cross stitch, watercolor painting and calligraphy. Barbara was a lifelong White Sox fan attending games at Comiskey Park, avid bridge player, bingo enthusiast, and enjoyed taking "mental health" trips to the casino but cherished time spent with family and friends the most.
She is survived by sons, Edward J. Chmiel and David M. (Elizabeth) Chmiel, both of Fort Wayne; daughter, Paula M. (Devin) Chmiel-Brock of Valrico, Fla.; grandchildren, Vanessa Watkins, Alexander, and Zoë Chmiel; great-grandson, Johnathan Watkins; brother, Frederick "Rick" Radecki of Pompano Beach, Fla.; and sister, Ruth Wilson of Spring, Tex. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Eugene "Pete" W. Chmiel; and siblings, Ralph E. Radecki and Janet Mickels.
Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 2, 2023 at St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, 1101 South Lafayette, with calling one hour prior. Calling also 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Friday, September 1, 2023 at the church.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Mary's Soup Kitchen, Ave Maria Hospitality House, or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Maplewood Park, Fort Wayne. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the Chmiel family.
