Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Endres) Veldmanof South Bend, Indiana, passed away on Sunday morning, March 5, 2017. She was born in Boone County on April 13, 1943, a daughter of Harold Endres and Elizabeth (Clouser) Endres.

After graduating from Thorntown High School, Class of 1961, she attended Purdue University, where she met her husband of 51 years, Henry Veldman. They married on September 11, 1965. They lived in many locations including Derby, Kansas, Detroit, Michigan and Paris, France before returning to their adopted hometown of South Bend.

Mary was active in many churches as cantor and loved making banners and decorating them. In addition to her volunteer work, she also served for many years as the Secretary of Religious Education. She also used her creative talents to make costumes for theater productions in her children’s schools. In 1974, she was honored as Woman of the Year in Derby for her work with Church United and the CYO.

Her heart was so full of love for children that in addition to raising her own daughter and son, she was a foster mother to countless babies, children, and teenagers over a decade. She spent her entire life opening her heart and her home to any and everyone who needed her. To some she was a hand, to others she was a shoulder, and to others, a mother.

Among the many family members who mourn her death are her husband, Henry; daughter, Katie McKernan; son, Dominick; sons-in-law, Timothy McKernan and Christopher Shoemaker; Nicole Shoemaker; and grandchildren, Morrigan, Margaret, and Eion McKernan. She joins her parents and  brothers, William and Vincent Endres, in heaven.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at the Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, where a vigil service will be held at 7:30 pm. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 am Friday, March 10, 2017 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 State Route 933, South Bend. A reception will be held immediately following services at Waterford Estates Lodge, 52890 IN-933, South Bend.

Memorials in Mary’s name may be directed to Saint Margaret’s House, 117 N. Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601.