Toni Kowalski

Toni Louise Kowalski, age 79, of Portage, MI passed away peacefully at 7:00 AM on Thursday, April 7 at Bronson Hospital after a massive stroke. Toni was born on April 20, 1942, in Kankakee, IL, the daughter of James and Virginia (Roth) Hammes. On February 12, 1972, she married Robert Logan Kowalski. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Diane Killilea of Mishawaka, IN. She is survived by her husband of 50 years; her daughter, Sheila M. Kowalski of Saline, MI; her son, Robert L. Kowalski of Evansville, IN; and her brother, Michael J. Hammes of Vero Beach, FL. Toni graduated from Christ the King Elementary School and Saint Mary's Academy in South Bend, IN; and received a B.A. in biology from Clarke College in Dubuque, IA (including a semester abroad at The Institute for European Studies in Vienna, Austria). Toni worked as a Research Scientist in pharmaceutical development at Miles Inc., subsequently she also worked at B&F Realty, Jim Hammes Oldsmobile, the Religious Education Office at St. Thomas Elementary School, and a paraprofessional for Emotionally Handicapped at Monger Elementary School, all in Elkhart, IN; Integra Bank, Records Management Group in Evansville, IN; and the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, Specialized Language Development Center, Adult Tutoring Program in Kalamazoo, MI. As a young adult, Toni enjoyed obtaining her private pilot certificate, golf, bowling, snow skiing, and travel (especially in Europe). Today she enjoyed going to live theater, movies on the big screen and TMC, reading, gardening, playing scrabble and working puzzles with her daughter, crossword puzzles, antiquing, everything Notre Dame football and women's basketball games, attending Newcomers luncheons, swimming at the YMCA, and attending mass several times a week at Saint Catherine of Siena Church. She was a devoted wife and mother. Our family meant everything to her and she did everything to guide us in the right direction. She enjoyed sending notes and cards for all occasions to family and friends. Thank you for being you and everything you did for our family. You were our teacher, nurturer, and rock. We are a lucky family and I am a lucky husband, we love you. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 11:00 am at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church 1150 W Centre Ave. Portage, MI 49024. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the mass from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Following the mass, there will be a luncheon served in the parish hall. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Christ Child Society of South Bend, IN 2366 Miracle Ln. Mishawaka, IN 46545, in memory of Toni. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 411 E. Centre Ave. Portage, MI 49002. To view Toni's personalized webpage, please visit https://www.langelands.com