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In Memory

Martha Jane Vawter (Tarwacki) - Class Of 1972

Martha Jane Vawter (Tarwacki)

Martha Jane Vawter Tarwacki

Feb. 2, 1954 - Feb. 8, 2019

SOUTH BEND, IN - On February 8, 2019 at 5:19 p.m. Martha Jane Tarwacki began her next adventure. She passed away peacefully and beautifully after a long battle with cancer surrounded by her family and friends. Martha, known by “Janie” to almost everyone who knew her, was born to her father Clarence “Turk” Vawter and Mother Margret “Peggy” (Cooke) Vawter in 1954. Janie had 6 brothers and sisters and grew up quickly, being the oldest child. She attended and graduated from LaSalle High School in 1973. She married Gerald Tarwacki on June 2, 1973 and later divorced. They had 3 children (Adam, Peter, and Amy). She started her working career at the University of Notre Dame and also as the secretary at Mayflower Baptist Church. She returned to school and graduated from Davenport College and started working in 1991 part time at both the Federal Court and St. Joseph Hospital. In 1997 she took a full time position as the Personnel Specialist with the Federal Court where she finished her career. Martha was a member of Oak Tree Community Church for 47 years.

She was loved by all who knew her. She was never the center of attention but people were always drawn to her, and her home was the gathering place of all events and became the “hangout”. Her smile and laugh were contagious and always lit up the room. She welcomed and loved everyone and it was evident. She was blessed with 2 grandkids that she was over the moon for, and spoiled them a great deal. She loved to travel and was always ready for an adventure. She will be missed and loved everyday. Janie was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Christopher Wycoff. She is survived by her children, Adam & Jeanna Tarwacki (South Bend, IN), Peter & Ruth Tarwacki (South Bend, IN) & Amy Tarwacki (South Bend, IN); and grandchildren, Noah & Grant Tarwacki (South Bend, IN). She is also survived by her siblings, Becky Vawter (Bloomfield, MI), Mike Vawter (Lancaster, SC), Mark & Pat Vawter (Tulsa, Ok), Sue & Tony Wycoff (Niles, MI), Richard Vawter (Lancaster, SC), John & Thia Vawter (South Bend, IN). She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Andrew & Gabby Wycoff (Charlottesville, VA), Ashley Wycoff (Niles, MI) and Logan Vawter (Tulsa, OK).

Visitation will be held at Calvary Baptist Church (3001 West Cleveland Rd., South Bend, Indiana, 46628) on February 12, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 4:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Services are being handled by Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home of Nappanee.

02/10/2019 JFC