In Remembrance of Montana Mazurkiewicz

Montana loved fishing and football. He wanted to join the Army when he grew up and was made an Honorary Two Star General by the Indiana National Guard. He loved watching NASCAR, and animals, especially dogs. Montana always lit up a room when he came in with his smile. He could make people laugh and was such a prankster. Even though he had a funny side, Montana also was very kind, caring and helpful, especially to senior citizens. He liked the Denver Broncos and Notre Dame. On a visit to his house by Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weiss, Montana selected the first play that the football team ran against Washington during Saturday's game. The only people who knew what the play was were Montana and Coach Weiss. On Thursday, September 22, members of different Notre Dame women's athletic teams came to visit with Montana at the house and it meant the world to him. He just got back Tuesday morning, Sept. 20, from Walt Disney World in Florida. The trip was made possible by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The family would like to give a special Thank You to the Indiana National Guard, especially Lt. Eric Nance, the ND athletes, the 6th Floor Pediatric Oncology, 1st Floor Radiation Oncology, both at Memorial Hospital, and the nurses and doctors who helped take care of Montana, as well as the teachers and staff at Hums Elementary School, Mishawaka. Montana's former principal, Mickey Roelandts, said "Montana is just an angel, an absolute angel."

He was preceded in death by his grandpa, John.

Montana was born on July 4, 1995, in Riverside, CA, to Michael and Cathy (Seymour) Mazurkiewicz. He is survived by his
parents, Michael and Cathy; three sisters, Stephanie Stuart and boyfriend Troy of Mishawaka, Katrin "Kay Kay" Seymour and her husband Aleksei of CA and Shannon "Sissy" Bacon and her husband Michael of CO; two brothers, Donnie Stuart of NC and Rockne Mazurkiewicz of Mishawaka. 
Also surviving are his grandparents, Matthew Mazurkiewicz of South Bend, Eugenia Mazurkiewicz of Mishawaka, Nana Chris Seymour of CA, Dennis and Marilyn Francis of CA; his great-grandmother, Natalie Francis of CA; his aunt, Noelle Seymour of CA, uncles, John Seymour and wife Trudy of CA,  David "D" Francis and his wife Shawn of CA, Jim Mazurkiewicz and Joe Mazurkiewicz and his wife Chris, both of Mishawaka, and Dennis Mazurkiewicz of South Bend; his niece, Delaney Bacon of CO; and his very best friend, Jack Banes of Mishawaka.

Honorary member of the National Guard loses battle to brain cancer

A local boy who was recently named an honorary member of the US Military has lost his battle with brain cancer.

Ten-year-old Montana Mazurkiewicz died Friday morning September 23rd.

Montana was featured over the summer on NewsCenter 16. He dreamed of being a soldier so much that back in July, the National Guard made him an honorary member.

Young brain tumor victim was an Irish fan

Coach Weis showed up at the Mazurkiewicz home in Mishawaka, just east of South Bend, Ind., and talked with Montana about his tumor and about Weis' s 10-year-old daughter, Hannah, who has global development delay, a rare disorder similar to autism. Weis said the meeting was touching.

"He told me about his love for Notre Dame football and how he just wanted to make it through this game this week," Weis said. "He just wanted to be able to live through this game because he knew he wasn't going to live very much longer."

Weis asked Montana if there was something he could do for him. He agreed to let Montana call the first play against Washington on Saturday. He called "pass right."

Montana never got to see the play. He died Friday September 23rd at his home.

Weis heard about the death and called Mazurkiewicz on Friday night to assure her he would still call Montana's play.

When the Irish started on their own 1-yard-line following a fumble recovery, Mazurkiewicz wasn't sure Notre Dame would be able to throw a pass.

Weis called a play where quarterback Brady Quinn ran right and looked for tight end Anthony Fasano. Fasano caught the pass for a 13-yard gain.