Leslie Ameling

Leslie Gail Ameling (Paolucci), 65, of Bremen, passed away peacefully in her home on March 8, 2021. Leslie was born on March 1, 1956, to Arnold and Hazel (Huff) Paolucci, in Lakeville. She moved around a lot as a child, starting in Lakeville. She subsequently moved to Hammond, Calumet City, Detroit, and Minneapolis before finally settling in Bremen in 1970. She graduated from Bremen High School in 1974. After high school, Leslie worked multiple jobs throughout Bremen. In 1979 she gave birth to her first child, Dante. Her son Darren would follow in 1984. With the help of her mother and brother, she worked tirelessly to provide for her two boys. Then, in 1989, she married her true love, Robert Ameling, in their new home. She spent 15 years as a server at the Mint Still, where she got to work with her husband. After the restaurant was sold, she went to work at Walmart in South Bend, retiring from there after 13 years. That is where she made some of the best friends of her life. After Leslie’s first grandchild was born in 1998, she became Grandma. Eventually having eight “grandbabies” as she called them, she made sure they were adorned with a love and affection that only a grandmother could provide. She enjoyed the annual tradition of making Christmas cookies with her grandkids. Being a diehard Cubs fan, she most enjoyed watching her little ones playing little league baseball and softball, yelling at them a little less than her kids when they were younger. Leslie never knew what it meant to be selfish. Everything she ever did was with others in mind first. She would put dinner on the table for her family, and before eating herself, would take dinner to her brother, just to make sure he was eating right. Even near the end, while struggling to speak, she had to make sure her family did not make too many unnecessary trips to the store, not wanting to be a “burden.” She was never the burden. Her unconditional love and sacrifice did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. She was, and is, our reason for being. She was, and is, our guide to living. Leslie was preceded in death by her mother: Hazel, father: Arnold, and brother: William Paolucci. Leslie is survived by her husband: Robert Ameling of Bremen; sons: Dante (Monique) Winkelman of Bremen and Darren Winkelman (Christen White) of Plymouth; granddaughters: Destanie Winkelman, Addie Kiss, Danielle White, and Cassidy White; and grandsons: Xage Winkelman, Grant Kiss, Everett Winkelman, and Urijah Winkelman. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, March 11, 2021 in Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 St Rd 331, Bremen. Cremation will follow.