Obituary of Eleanor Genevieve Pianowski

Eleanor Genevieve Pianowski September 1, 1924 – June 28, 2021 Eleanor Pianowski, 96, of Niles, passed away of natural causes at West Woods of Niles Nursing Facility on Monday, June 28, 2021. Eleanor was born on September 1st, 1924 to the late Stanley and Emma (Chwalek) Bielaski in South Bend, Indiana. After graduating from high school Eleanor attended some college before becoming a sales associate at Robertson's Department Store in South Bend where she worked until they eventually closed their doors. Eleanor married Edmund Samolczyk in 1945 and had two children, James and Ronald. After years of marriage Eleanor was widowed by her first husband Edmund. She was re-married in 1984 to Ray Pianowski with whom she spent her life with until Ray passed away. One of her biggest accomplishments was being a founding member of the ZB Falcons Polish Club in South Bend. She was a lifelong member and represented the club in many capacities over her life. Aside from the club a couple hobbies that kept her busy included: golf, bowling, watching the Chicago Bears, and watching Notre Dame games. Eleanor was also a faithful member of St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in South Bend. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Emma Bielaski; brother, Gene Bielaski; a grandchild, James Samolczyk Jr.; and both daughters-in-law, Cindy and Peggy Samolczyk. Eleanor is survived by her children, James Samolczyk of Niles and Ronald Samolczyk of Arkansas; three grandchildren including Tina Noid, who took especially good care of Eleanor in her last years, Scott Samolczyk, and Tracie Kuriata.; and four great-grandchildren. The family of Eleanor will be remembering her with a private burial held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.