Eugenia “Jean” GROFF

11 JAN 1920 - 20 AUG 2020

• BIRTH: 11 JAN 1920, Mishawaka, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 20 AUG 2020, Mishawaka, St Joseph, IN

• MARRIAGE: 1940, St Joseph County, IN
• DIVORCE: 21 JUL 1971, St Joseph County, IN

INDEX

[N25247] Eugenia C. (Groff) Chandonia
January 11, 1920 ~ August 20, 2020 (age 100)

Eugenia “Jean” Chandonia passed away peacefully on August 21, 2020 after an extraordinary life. Jean was born on January 11, 1920 in Mishawaka, Indiana, to John and Inez (Roney) Groff. She attended grade school at St. Joseph Catholic School and is a Class of 1938 alumna of Mishawaka High School. In 1940 Jean married Jon “Jack” Chandonia, Jr., of Mishawaka and they had four daughters. Jean was Secretary to the Treasurer of the Torrington Company in South Bend from 1956 to 1982. During her time at Torrington she became very active in the National Secretaries Association (IAAP). She held the honor of Secretary of the Year 1975. Along with work she bowled, golfed and did a great deal of genealogical research both of her own ancestors and those of her husband and the Chandonia family. She was a recognized expert in local history and the Pottawatomie Nation. She loved to write and was a frequent contributor to local publications. While at Torrington, Jean began to attend IUSB and graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts. In 2002 she was awarded the IUSB Continuing Alumni Distinguished Alumni Award. She officially represented IUSB at events around the state, encouraging women to pursue higher education. After positions at several local TV stations, Jean settled into a reference librarian position for 15 years in the Local History Department of the South Bend Public Library in downtown South Bend. She held the distinction of substituting at all of the South Bend Library branches. Jean was a tireless believer in women’s rights long before it was politically correct and led by example. She was stylish and charming, with a sharp intellect and a wit to match. During her work career and after retirement, Jean was very active in the Condo Homeowners Association in the neighborhood that she lived in. She served as president several times and often as secretary of the association’s board. Jean leaves behind her daughters Sheila Baroody Smith of Sierra Vista AZ and Claudette Chandonia of Vienna VA. She was predeceased by her daughters, Connie Curtis and Carol Hoyes Strickler. Along with her daughters, Jean had 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren all of whom survive her. Jean will be entombed at the St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, 375 W. Cleveland Road, Granger, Indiana. A Mass and celebration of life will be held at a later date as yet to be determined. Due to Jean’s strong and lifelong faith donations may be made in her name to St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Road, South Bend IN 46614. Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, visit our website www.zahoran.com or our facebook page Zahoran Funeral Home.

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South Bend woman has seen a lot of changes in her 100 years
• By Kathy Borlik
• Jan 26, 2020

Eugenia “Jean” Chandonia said she is thankful to have made it this far. She is hoping “the Lord will get her through another one.” Put your money on Jean. Jean celebrated her 100th birthday on Jan. 11 with a big family party at the Elks Club. “I’m still getting over it,” she said a week later.Remember her birth came just before Prohibition and women’s voting. Through the years, she worked as a secretary at Torrington Corp., as a television reporter for WSBT and WSJV, and at the St. Joseph County Public Library as a reference librarian. Torrington paid for her to get an associate and a bachelor’s degree from IUSB. She started to work on her master’s degree from Notre Dame. That was put on hold. At 100 she is believed to be one of the oldest graduates from the campus. Thinking about it, she said, “I don’t know if I can claim the oldest title but if you say so.” At IUSB she was a “mature student” when she started in the 1970s. “I learned a lot from the younger students and I treasured the time there.” Afterward, she was one of the founding members of the General Studies Alumni Association on campus. While there, she said she got great support from Ted Hengesach, director in General Studies. “He promoted me and encouraged me.” She added that Chancellor Lester Wolfson and Walt Collins, assistant to the chancellor, were champions in her eyes. Jean said her favorite job was being a reporter. “I loved doing what you are doing now.” She worked at that for about three years. She grew up in Mishawaka - 514 Geyer St. - and married her high school sweetheart, Jack Chandonia. She was an only child but Jack had nine siblings. She loved the big family, big dinner and big fun. Jack and Jean had four girls, Sheila, Connie, Carol and Claudette. Now she has 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. Granddaughter Theresa Kaplon provides her with transportation and conversation. Sometimes Theresa is her straight man for stories. To Theresa, the secret to Grandma’s health is staying active and keeping busy with people, gardening, genealogy and television. “For years, she was on the condo board. She still gets calls today from people who ask her for advice.”
Jean added to that. “Every night I Facetime my daughter at 6:30 p.m. As soon as that is done, I go for the ice and a little whiskey. That’s really the secret.” Reportedly, her doctor asks for her Manhattan recipe during office calls.
Theresa remembers the time when Grandma ordered a “double Jack over ice” and the bartender delivered it to the table to see who ordered it. “That’s just the way she is.”A little ornery, a little vinegar and lots of sparkle.
Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.