Carol Jean (Wentland) Nowicki

Carol Jean (Wentland) Nowicki, 89, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026. She will be remembered for her strength, humor, love of animals and devotion to her family.

Carol was born on December 19, 1936 in South Bend, Indiana, to Edmund “Gabby” and Lillian (Swartz) Wentland, who preceded her in death.

On October 17, 1959 in South Bend, Carol married Marvin R. Nowicki who preceded her in death on October 3, 1987. Carol is survived by her daughters: Lori (Ron) Balmer of Granger, Indiana, and Gina (Ken) Jones of Kalamazoo, Michigan, her beloved granddaughter, Allyson, her sister, Judy (Tom) Fujawa of The Villages, Florida, and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graduate of Washington High School, she served as captain of the cheer squad and was a member of the DeReines Social Club where she formed many enduring friendships. A lifelong resident of South Bend, she lived in the same home that she and Marvin purchased as newlyweds for nearly 60 years before moving to StoryPoint Living Facility in Granger. In her younger years she loved to bowl, play cards, and attend dances at the Polish National Alliance (PNA) Club where she was a member. She was a member of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church in South Bend and an avid Notre Dame fan. Carol loved spending time outdoors and tending to her flowers. She was a dog lover and had many rescue dogs throughout her life. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

The family wishes to thank the staff at StoryPoint Living Facility - South Unit for their care and kindness.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, August 5th from 11:00 until 1:00 p.m. at the Palmer Funeral Home – Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka. A service celebrating Carol’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral chapel with burial to follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or to an animal rescue organization of your choice.

Online condolences can be made to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.