Elizabeth Mary "Liz" Gillen

Elizabeth Mary “Liz” Gillen, 94, of Mishawaka, passed away Friday, January 19, 2018, in Sprenger Health Care, Mishawaka, Indiana.

Elizabeth was born August 14, 1923 in Clinton, Indiana, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Janczycki) Kwasny. She was a 1940 graduate of Mishawaka High School. Elizabeth graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1944 from St. Mary of Nazareth School of Nursing in Chicago.

Liz was Head Nurse at Uniroyal in Mishawaka until retiring in 1985. She was a life-time member of St. Joseph Church in Mishawaka and their Rosary Society. She also belonged to the Associates of St. Joseph. Elizabeth was past president of Uniroyal Ladies Club as well as Harvest House. She also belonged to the Polonaise Club, and Polish National Alliance in South Bend.

Liz was an avid Notre Dame fan having gone to every home football game from 1945 to 1995. Knitting was her favorite past-time. She gave hundreds of hand-knit items to family, friends, and charity. Liz was immensely proud of her Polish heritage and loved to entertain at all the Holidays, celebrating her culture. She provided countless homemade meals to anyone who needed a seat at the table. She was guided by her Catholic faith of which she was devout.

In 1948, she married William M. Gillen, who died in 1972. Surviving family includes her children, Kathleen Gillen, William (Adrienne) Gillen, Kevin Gillen and Thomas Gillen and children-in-law; three grandchildren, Brendan Dempsey, Erin Lien and Elyse Gillen; many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was preceded in death by four brothers, four sisters and her infant grandson Patrick Dempsey.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 6, 2018, at 11am, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka. Burial of Elizabeth’s cremated remains will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mishawaka, Indiana.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Vincent DePaul Society or St. Joseph Catholic Church.