Cathy Niedbalski

July 21, 1954 ~ July 19, 2022 (age 67)

Cathy Niedbalski died of complications with cancer on July 19th in Mishawaka, Indiana. She passed away peacefully during a nap, just after sharing a sweet tea with her sister.

Cathy was born in South Bend on July 21st, 1954 to Bob and June (Montgomery) Niedbalski. She graduated from South Bend LaSalle High School in 1972, and apart from one year studying abroad in Germany while in high school, she lived in South Bend/Mishawaka her entire life. Her first job was at the Ponderosa Steakhouse, and in her young working days, she was a DJ at the Seahorse and later a cook at the Summit Club. Her professional home was at the University of Notre Dame, where she was employed for the better part of two decades. She was incredibly proud to work at Ryan Hall, where she served as a housekeeper since the dorm opened in 2009. She was loved by many generations of Ryan Hall residents, and she loved those girls like her own family. She had a wonderful friendship with Father Joe Carey, who lives in Ryan Hall. She also treasured working at Toys-R-Us during the Christmas season, which she did until the day they closed their doors.

Cathy’s leisure time was spent outside, always. She had a permanent suntan, because Cathy was wherever the sun was shining. She loved to go to the beach and take a dip in the pool with her 100 Center neighbors. In fact, there were only two good reasons to be indoors—to cheer on the Notre Dame Women’s basketball team, or because inside the airplane is the only way they’ll let you fly to France to visit your son and daughter-in-law.

Cathy is survived by her sister Nancy of Chattanooga, TN, her son Joe Denney (Laurence) of Lyon, France and her daughter Kathryn Maynard (Zack) of Elkhart, her nieces Ashley Coker (Carlos) of Muncie, Kelley Thomas of Indianapolis, and Hayley Coker of South Bend, and her cousin Terry Krantz (Sandy) of Scottsdale, Arizona. Cathy also had five great-nieces and nephews—Jordyn, Cora, Malia, Lyla, and Jack, and two dear kitties, Kiki and Emma. Her first grandchild, ZJ Maynard, is due to be born in August. How she would have loved to hold him. Cathy is preceded in death by her mother and father.

Cathy Niedbalski was the best. She was the best parent, the best sister, and the best aunt in the whole world. She made friends everywhere she went. Little things were special to her, and she made the little things special for everyone else, too. She will be deeply missed.

A mass in celebration of her life will take place on Thursday, July 28th in the chapel at Ryan Hall, with visiting from 3:30-4:30 and the service at 4:30. Aunt Cathy requests that you wear either Notre Dame blue and gold or something tropical and beachy. She said “not to dress up too much.” 

Arrangements are being handled by Kaniewski Funeral Home.

07/22/2022 EJS