Elaine F. Molenda

Elaine F. Molenda, 96, passed away on September 25, 2026. Elaine was born on June 17, 1930, the oldest of three daughters born to Thomas and Martha Wawrzyniak Krol. She was a lifelong resident of South Bend, graduating from South Bend Central High School in 1948. In 2020 Elaine moved to her daughter’s home in Bremen, Indiana.

Elaine was of the Catholic faith and was a member of Sacred Heart Parish. She retired from the University of Notre Dame, where she worked for 38 years in The Hesburgh Library.

Elaine is survived by her children Brian (Alexis) Molenda of South Bend, Neil (Dana) Molenda of Mishawaka, Karen (Michael) Hundt of Bremen, Paul Molenda of Cheltenham, MD, and Mike Molenda of Chesapeake, VA. She is also survived by grandchildren Mitchell Molenda, Amanda Molenda, Derek Molenda, Craig Principe, Brandon Principe, Jaime Klingler, Alison Hundt Russell, Jacob Hundt, Brittney Hundt, and Brandon Molenda; 11 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter Michelle Klingler, son Craig Molenda and his wife Linda, grandchildren Brandi Molenda and Zachary Klingler, and sisters Marlene Kestermeier and Joan Sarber.

Visitation will be held at Mishler’s Funeral Home, Bremen, Indiana, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 2 pm to 4 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Monday, October 26, 2026, at All Souls Chapel at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, with Inurnment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Zachary E. Klingler Chair at Riley Children’s Foundation, P.O. Box 3356, Indianapolis, IN 46206-3356. The family would like to thank the staff at Signature Healthcare in Bremen for their compassionate care of Elaine.