Bambi-lynn Nowak
January 19, 1957 - June 1, 2021
Bambi-lynn Nowak, 64, passed away at her daughter’s home on June 1. She was born in South Bend on Jan. 19, 1957, graduated from Penn High School in 1975, and married Gregory Allen Nowak on Oct. 25, 1980.
She is predeceased by her parents, Loren and Phyllismae Gartee; and her son, Seth Nowak.
She is survived by her husband; along with her daughter, Courtney (Adam) Duckworth; daughter-inlaw, Joleen (Bob) Anderson; brothers, Andrew (Evie Moceri) Gartee, Loren (Juliet) Gartee, Jr. and David (Lisa) Gartee; as well as her grandchildren, Lawson, Hazel, Annabelle and Eleanor; and several beloved nieces and nephews.
Known affectionately as “Grambi” by her grandchildren and their friends, Bambi was widely appreciated for her creativity, generosity of spirit and her eagerness to care for others, young and old. Children had a particularly special place in her life. She chose careers that allowed her to remain integrally involved in her children’s upbringing. For a period, she was employed at Christian Center where both of her children attended elementary school, then she took on a career as a fulltime nanny and “second mother” to Courtney and John Frederick. Over the years her children, husband and parents would face many health ordeals, including her son’s struggle with addiction, and she was a great support to them during these challenging times. She also provided transportation and care for her grandchildren later in life.
As the children grew older, Bambi pursued a career as a manager of the Mar-main Arms apartment complex in downtown South Bend. She treated her tenants like family, even sharing her bonus with tenants in need. Her combined experience as an employee of Fabric Warehouse and as an assistant in her mother’s sewing business, “Needles and Pins,” gave her an outlet to hone her creative skills as a seamstress. She sewed dolls, clothes, and extraordinary costumes from scratch for customers and relatives alike.
Bambi took great pride in arranging unforgettable birthday parties and holiday celebrations. She loved music, and always had a song to associate with any word or memory that would come up in conversation. She was particularly fond of Christmas music, which she enjoyed even in July. She also had a quirky and well-known affinity for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Bambi had an endless curiosity and love of animals. Her pets ran the gamut from hermit crabs to a horse; every type of rodent including her adored rat Tristan, as well as a parrot named Ernie and countless cats and dogs.
Bambi had strong friendships extending into her community. She shared a lifetime of adventures with her forever-friend from 7th grade, Phyllis Leinbach. Phyllis’ professional assistance was invaluable after the cancer diagnosis, and culminated in 24-7 care for the last weeks of Bambi’s life. Bambi also frequently enjoyed the company of those in her women’s group, especially their annual retreats. In addition to using Facebook to keep family connected, she had also utilized the social media platform to connect with a community of strangers all sharing the name, “Bambi,” who were all quite fond of her. She sustained lasting bonds with those at her church over the years and was well known for her encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible, her profound love of the Lord, and for dedicating her life and deeds to Christ.
Bambi’s final gift of service to all who knew her was her decision to pursue treatment after her stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Although she faced steep odds, she endured an aggressive treatment plan which afforded her 21 more months to spend ministering to family and friends. She shared words from the heart, often humorous and frank in nature. She never failed to acknowledge all the miracles she received during her journey as evidence that God was always with her and would never leave any of us, even as her own health failed.
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
A memorial service will be held at Gospel Center Missionary Church, 930 S 30th St, South Bend, on Tuesday June 22, 2021, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. Cremation services were provided by Palmer Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bambi may be donated to Pet Refuge, 4626 Burnett Drive, South Bend, Ind. 46614; A newly created “Bambi’s Fund” will provide critical vet care to cat owners in need. Other options include Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa Drive, Unit D., Mishawaka, Ind. 46545; or to Courtney Duckworth, 1520 Hildreth St, South Bend, Ind. 46615.
Online condolences may be offered to Bambi’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.