Carmela Rose ZAPPIA

1951 - 21 JUL 2020

• BIRTH: 1951, East Chicago, Lake County, IN
• DEATH: 21 JUL 2020, Mishawaka, St Jjoseph, IN

• MARRIAGE: 29 JUN 1974, East Chicago, Indiana

1.  John NOWICKI

INDEX

[N32751] Carmela Rose Zappia
1951 - July 21, 2020

Carmela Rose Salaiz, 69, passed away peacefully in the hospital surrounded by those closest to her on the morning of July 21. She is survived by her husband Sam Salaiz, her son John (Adrienne) Nowicki, her grandson Vincent Nowicki and her expected granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Katherine Zappia, her brother Richard Zappia, and her former husband Michael Nowicki.Carmela was the oldest of 5 children born to Jim and Katie in East Chicago, IN. She graduated from Bishop Knoll Institute in 1970, Indiana State University with a B.A. in Education in 1974 and IUSB with a Master’s degree in Special Education in 1979. After meeting at ISU, she and Michael were married on June 29, 1974, in East Chicago and remained so until his passing in 2010. She found love again and married Sam Salaiz on August 26, 2017 in Mishawaka, IN. She was hired in 1976 by the SBCSC as a special education teacher. She taught at O’Brien School, Hay Elementary, Lincoln Elementary and Nuner Elementary / Primary Center. She was named Nuner’s Teacher of the Year in 2008. After 37 years, she finally retired in 2013. She dedicated her life to educating and helping children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was proud to have worked for the local Special Olympics providing transportation for her students, feeding athletes and being a hugger. When the International Special Olympics was held at Norte Dame in 1987, she described working the week as a once in a lifetime event. She loved The Beatles, painting, antiques, traveling, and buying Christmas presents for everyone close to her. She was unbelievably generous, unflinchingly kind, and adored every minute she spent with her family. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and never forgotten. Services will be held at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, on Thursday, July 28th, from 4 to 6 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 6 p.m. Instead of flowers please make a donation to a local community center that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com

Posted online on July 23, 2022
Published in South Bend Tribune

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Marrige Record

Name Carmela Zappia
Sex F

Carmela's Spouses and Children

Michael L Nowicki Husband M 59 Mishawaka, IN

Name Michael L Nowicki
Sex Male
Age 59
Event Date 01 Aug 2010
Event Place Indiana, United States
Event Type Obituary
Residence Date 30 Jul 2010
Residence Place South Bend, Indiana
Death Date 30 Jul 2010
Birth Date 11 May 1951
Birthplace Mishawaka
Newspaper South Bend Tribune