Mary Bernadette Niven

Mary Bernadette Niven, née Truesdale, born April 5, 1958 passed peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of July 22, 2023. After a 30 year battle with multiple illnesses, she was welcomed into Heaven by her mother and father, Donald and Joanne Truesdale (Healy) of Homewood, Illinois. Pieces of her heart are left here with her husband David Niven, whom she married November 11, 1978 and her three children Nicholas Niven, Brittney Kurczewski (Michael), Bridgette Sockel (Michael), as well as her 8 adoring grandchildren; Brayden Kurczewski, Brody Niven, Aubrey Kurczewski, Caleigh Niven, Camden Kurczewski, Gavin Niven, Willow Sockel, and Finleigh Sockel. Her Husband and children were her everything. Many times she would say, “If you ain’t got family, you ain’t got nothing.”  When Mary truly shined was when she became a GG to her grandbabies, and she never missed an opportunity to share their accomplishments.

She was a devoted sister to late Donald Truesdale, Kathleen McKinney (Gary), Terry Truesdale, John Truesdale (Diane), late George "Mickey" Truesdale, Judy Viramontes (Tom), Janet Corning (David) and the late Timmy Truesdale.

Mary was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews and godmother to Kara McKinney and Brennen Viramontes.

Mary thrived for years with her career in sales. Her irresistible bubbly personality led her down a path of many awards and outstanding accomplishments. She worked many years despite her illnesses until it became too much for her to handle.

She was an inspiration of encouragement to many with her unrelenting faith and strength that she maintained for many years while battling many illnesses. She would tell her children, “I’m strong like bull.” A constant smile remained upon her beautiful face and uplifting positive attitude was radiant. Mary put others before herself, always was conscious of the “little things' that made a big impact on others.

Heaven gained the most benevolent of angels in Mary. May she have eternal rest and peace in Heaven and soar with her wings of pure 24K gold. In the words of Mary, “I love you BIG time M.O.R.E, see ya when I see ya.” Until we meet again.

Visitation Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Village Church 14849 W. 93rd Avenue Dyer, IN, with Rev. Steve Miller officiating.  Memorial contributions may be given to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation ( https://pkdcure.org/) .

Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN.  For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit www.SMITSFH.com