Mary Catherine Stafford

Mary Catherine Stafford, 91, residing in South Bend, Indiana, devoted wife and mother, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Holy Cross Sanctuary in South Bend.

On July 18, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, she was born to Earl and Goldie (Wells) Boomhower, who both preceded her in death.

On November 18, 1950, in South Bend, she was united in marriage to her beloved husband Charles “Charlie” Roland Stafford.  Their loving marriage endured for 56 years, until his death in 2007.

Mary enjoyed growing windows full of African violets, planting flowers, and enjoyed watching and feeding a multitude of feathered friends. Mary and Charlie both had a passion for the restaurant business, owning several over the years. They purchased and operated The Windjammer in Syracuse, Indiana and the Country Inn in Topeka, Indiana, until they retired. These restaurants were a true family business as some of their children helped to run them over the years and many family parties and gatherings were celebrated there.  Even after retirement Mary was drawn back to the restaurant business by working at the Four Lakes Country Club in Edwardsburg, Michigan and was a member of the National Restaurant Association.

Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters, Elizabeth (Darrell) Bridwell of Mishawaka, Patricia Spiehler of Bloomington, and Clara (Timothy) Boser of Mishawaka; her three sons, Dick (Michele) Stafford of Noblesville, David (Cheryl) Stafford of Muskegon, Michigan, and Timothy Stafford of South Bend; ten grandchildren, David (Chandra) Stafford, Esther Stafford, Charles (Lindsey) Stafford, Thomas (Deena) Stafford, Katherine A. Stafford, Rosemary (Jordan) Hepler, Mary Ellen Spiehler, David Spiehler, Jennifer (Tyler) Tyskiewicz, and Amy Diane Stafford; great-grandchildren, Daniel, Alexandria, Charlie, Susie, Evangeline, Jacob, Owen, Lainey, Thor and Anastasia; great-great-grandchild, Stella; her sister, Karen (Bob) Knoblock of Mishawaka; and brother, William Boomhower of Demming, New Mexico.

Along with her beloved husband, and her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brothers, Clifford, James and Raymond.  

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Holy Cross Sanctuary for the care and compassion given Mary during her stay.

Funeral Services will be held 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Palmer Funeral Homes – River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. prior to services. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.  

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