Frieda I. Kucela, 94, of Elkhart, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Southfield Village in South Bend.

Born on June 9th, 1927 to Wilhelmina "Minnie" Zahner and Floyd Arthur "Artie" Shirk, Frieda grew up on their farm in St. Joseph County, IN. As a child, she tended the cows in the pasture, which began her lifelong love of animals and the great outdoors. She attended Boner School, where she graduated early by using her older sister's school books to study ahead. She then attended Concord High School in Elkhart, IN, where she graduated in 1944. After high school, she worked at McClellan's Dime Store, Barger Box, Uniroyal, CTS and Whitehall, where she retired.

An avid reader, Frieda read several newspapers every day, often saving articles to share with others. Her love of animals and nature meant, she spent much of her time working in her garden, tending to houseplants, caring for her cats, or simply sitting on her back step watching the birds and squirrels. A gentle and soft-spoken person, Frieda always had a calming effect on those around her.

Frieda was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Wilma Marie Costa, her daughter, Sharon Irene Kucela, her stepsons, Richard Kucela, Jr., and Stephen Kucela and grandson, Todd Kucela.

Frieda is survived by her children, John (Gloria) Kucela, and Darlene (Tom) Angel; daughter-in-law, Lynn (George) Kucela; her grandchildren, Scott (Cheri) Kucela, Stephen (Nicki) Kucela, Jr., Kimberly Ward, Justin Gingerich, Melanie (Caine) Espinoza, Allison, Derek, and Christine Angel, Claire and Dominic Kucela; and her great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Felix Espinoza. She is also survived by countless other relatives, including cousins, nieces and nephews. Frieda was matriarch to a vast family, known by many as "Aunt Frieda" and "Grandma Kucela." She will be greatly missed by all.

Frieda's family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Southfield Village and Center for Hospice for the loving care and attention they provided over the past few months, and to thank her neighbors in Elkhart, the Gonzalez and Garrelt families, for watching out for her and being her friend in her later years.

A funeral service will take place at 12:00pm, noon at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart on Saturday, January 8, 2022 with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery.

Frieda's family asks that masks are required at the visitation and service inside the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Here, Kitty, Kitty Rescue, 25138 C.R. 24, Elkhart, IN 46517.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com