Marge J. (Koldan) Chomyn

Marge J. Chomyn was the youngest of seven children born to Antonette (Antonia) and Stanley (Stanislaus) Koldan on July 29, 1925 in Chicago, IL.  Marge graduated high school in Milwaukee, WI, but she maintained her Chicago contacts. She met a boy from a nearby neighborhood and later married Walter J. Chomyn after he returned from Naval service in the South Pacific.

Marge and Walter moved to Des Moines, IA, where Walter attended Drake University and then moved to Saulte Ste. Marie, MI, for Walter's first teaching job. The first two of five sons were born in those cities. Their next stop was in South Bend, IN, where Walter completed his master's degree at the University of Notre Dame. They liked the small town of South Bend and bought a home on Salem Dr. Four more children soon followed. Their large yard on Salem Dr. became the neighborhood gathering spot for daytime games, nighttime hide and seek, open air camping and campfires. Marge loved being around children.

"Life goes on" was a phrase our mother used frequently. She passed away on December 18, 2025. We celebrated her 100th birthday this year. There's a lot to be said for a woman who raised six kids, five boys and one girl after our parent's divorce. We all turned out pretty well.

Mom was always on top of the game, attending sports and school activities of her children, while working full time. After the children left home migrating in all directions, Mom charted her own course. She traveled to see her grandchildren and engaged in adventures such as camping, hiking, white water rafting and snow skiing.

As a first-generation child of Polish immigrants Mom knew education was everything. All six children attended college. At age 62, Mom enrolled in Indiana University's General Studies Program. She completed three years with almost all "A's". When hotel rooms were in short supply during big events at the University of Notre Dame she opened her home to guests as a Bed and Breakfast. She hosted many repeat families over the years including that of the ND mascot leprechaun. She then realized that college, alone, did not make a person successful. It was the willingness to keep learning, knowing and understanding the world that made one successful. Mom traveled across Europe, the U.S. and the Caribbean exploring the past and present. She was never alone. She made friends wherever she went. She kept her mind sharp with reading, joining clubs and being active in politics. She played Bridge until her final months.

Mom faced many hardships throughout her life. She focused on personal responsibility and honesty. Throughout the hardships she remained optimistic that life is good. No matter what happens, "Life goes on." With six children of her own, ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren life does go on.

Marge outlived her parents and her siblings.  She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Rodney Shepherd; grandson, Ryan Chomyn; and sons, Dan Chomyn and Patrick Chomyn/Nancy. Left to remember Marge are her children, Tim Chomyn/Elaine of Ringgold, GA, Ann Shepherd of Fishers, IN, Joseph Chomyn of South Bend, Tom Chomyn/Jeannine of Irvine, CA, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life on January 12, 2026 at Evangel Heights United Methodist Church. Visitation begins at 10am. The family would like to acknowledge the staff at The Sanctuary at St. Paul's for making her life enjoyable and meaningful. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marge's honor to Evangel Heights United Methodist Church or the Sanctuary at St. Pauls. Palmer Funeral Homes is handling arrangements. 

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