Mardelle Elizabeth (O'Connor) Ladyga

Mardelle Elizabeth (O’Connor) Ladyga went to be with the Lord to be with her husband and four children on Friday May 15, 2026, at her home living a life full of love, laughter, and happiness.  

Mardelle was born on July 27, 1929, in South Bend to the late Patrick and Mary Agnes (Murphy) O’Conner.  Mardelle met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Ladyga, Sr., and the two were united in holy matrimony on April 24, 1948, at St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend.  The two stayed committed to each other and to their faith, sharing 48 years together before his passing in 1996. 

Mardelle spent thirteen years at Uniroyal; however, her passion in life was being a loving wife, caring mother, and devoted grandmother. Mardelle and Bob were blessed to spend ten years together in retirement, travelling to one of their favorite places, Las Vegas. They enjoyed spending time with their family, especially their grandchildren, at their lake cottage.  Mardelle also loved going to the casino with her friends and family.  She also enjoyed playing Euchre with her friends and grandchildren.  Mardelle continued a family tradition by playing and teaching her favorite board game Aggravation with all her family.   

Mardelle was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; and her children: Brian Ladyga, Robert Ladyga Jr., Nancy Ladyga-Hawes, and Christine Palicki, as well as her siblings: John, Richard, Patrick (Lena), Delbert “Babe,” and Doris Ladyga.   

Mardelle is survived by her daughter, Barbara Ladyga-Savely and son-in-law, Ted Palicki (Christine), as well as 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. 

A memorial visitation for Mardelle will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at St. Matthew Cathedral, located at 1701 Miami St., South Bend. A mass of Christian burial will begin at 11:00 a.m.  She will be interred at a later date at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Cathedral or Southern Care Hospice, 1626 East Day Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545. 

The family would like to thank Mardelle’s caregivers throughout the years, Southern Care Hospice and all those who were special to her at her time of need.   

Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is honored to be caring for the family.  Online condolences may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com 

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