Pauline J. Witmer

Pauline J. Witmer, 86, of Mishawaka, IN passed away at 8:05 a.m. Sunday, January 25, 2015 at the home of her daughter.  She was born on April 28, 1928 in Tippecanoe, IN to Noble J. and Ruth (Baugher) Shaffer.  On November 1, 1964 in Middlebury, IN she was united in marriage to Charles E. Witmer who preceded her in death on March 6, 1989.

Mrs. Witmer is survived by her daughter, Sandra L. (Scott) Cramer of Mishawaka, IN; two sons, James M. (Jennifer) Witmer of Mishawaka, IN and Charles W. Witmer of Michigan City, IN; ten grandchildren, Alyssa & Jacob Cramer, Clara & Landon Witmer, Mark, Erika  and LeighAnn Rogness, Chuck, Nathaniel and Corey Witmer; a great granddaughter, Zoey and son-in-law, Andrew Rogness. She was also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sherri L. Rogness in September 14, 2012; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Witmer; two sisters, June  Latham and Beverly Gorbitz and five brothers, Jack, Max, Glen, Bill and Don Shaffer.

After a serious illness, she decided to attended nursing school and became a registered nurse.   She received her B.S. and RN diploma from Methodist Hospital in Gary, IN and was also licensed in AZ and CA.  She traveled to California and worked as a head surgical nurse for ten years before moving back home to Tippecanoe to care for her sick father and then her mother. 

After her marriage in 1964, she became a homemaker and loving mother to her four children.  After her children were older, she worked for Ridgedale Nursing Home in South Bend and after retirement she continued to care for people in their homes.  She attended and was a charter member of Trinity Evangelical Free Church.  She was a past officer with the local chapter of the DAR and volunteered at the Literacy Council  and Memorial Hospital.  She was a huge supporter of the St. Joseph County 4-H.  She had a love for handicrafts, puzzles and card games especially solitaire.

The family is extremely grateful to Milton Adult Day Services and the Center for Hospice for their care, support and kindness.   All her caregivers helped Pauline through her long journey and provided resources for the family that eased many burdens.  As she would say. . . See you later alligator.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN.   Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.   Friends may visit with the family from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the services Saturday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Pauline J. Witmer may be offered to Milton Adult Day Services, 922 E. Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 or the Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.  Online condolence may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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