Ann Fisher Ciesiolka
Sept. 17, 1944 - March 6, 2021
SOUTH BEND, IN -

Ann Ciesiolka, 76, of South Bend passed away at 10:05 p.m. Saturday, March 6 in Hospice House of Mishawaka following a lengthy illness. Ann was born September 17, 1944 in Bradford, Arkansas to the late Hazel Irene (Hays) and William Herschel Fisher and had lived in the South Bend area most of her life, coming from Arkansas. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Norma Bentley and William Fisher. On September 3, 1977 in South Bend, as Elizabeth Ann Nick, she married Michael A. Ciesiolka who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Laurie L. Mills (Greg) of Granger, Carol A. Braunsdorf of Mishawaka, and Barbara J. Nick of South Bend; one son, Jason M. Ciesiolka of Niles, MI; and six grandchildren, Nicholas Mills (Abby), Katherine Mills, Sarah Borchert, Ryan Borchert, Brooke Braunsdorf, and Amelia Ciesiolka.

Ann moved to the South Bend area as a young girl, graduating from Washington-Clay High School. Following her passion for helping others, she attended the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in September of 1965. She would later become an instructor at her alma mater, sharing her love of caring for others the “old school” way.

Ann was always up for anything, and lived her life to the fullest. She was a member of the Michiana Amateur Radio Club, and earned her own call sign. She built and launched her own rockets, and earned her confirmation in the hobby. One of her favorite past times was studying and collecting rocks and minerals. Over the years she gathered enough specimens to dedicate an entire room in her home to displaying her collection. Other interests included reading, crossword puzzles, geo-caching, cooking and sewing.

Throughout her life, Ann shared her time and interests with family, friends and total strangers, donating her time, pot after pot of homemade soup, and countless fleece blankets and scarves. Her desire to help others was apparent in everything she did, and will be the memory all who knew her will always remember.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Ann's life will be held from 2:00 until 5: 00 p.m. Saturday, March 13 in the Palmer Funeral Home-Welsheimer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Rd. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are requested. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ann's name may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or Center for Hospice Care of Mishawaka. Family and friends can leave email condolences at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
 

03/12/2021 JFC