Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Leona Helen Sirko services Saturday, November 9

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Leona Helen Sirko (nee Balcerak), age 88, of Valparaiso, Ind., passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Avalon Springs in Valparaiso.

A long-time area resident, Leona was born in Gary, Ind., on January 15, 1925.

She was married on June 7, 1947 to Steve Sirko, whom she met at the Gary Hotel Crystal Ballroom on December 6, 1946.

Leona is survived by her children: Cheryl (Tom) Pleva of Monroe, CT and Robert (Katherine) Sirko of Valparaiso; grandchildren: Lori Pleva of New Jersey, Amy (Tony) DeAngelis of Westport, CT, Andrew, Matthew and Greg Sirko; great-grandchildren: Anthony James and Chloe Marie De Angelis; brothers: William Balcerak of Hobart and Jerry (Carol) Balcerak of Baytown, TX; nieces: Cathy (Tim) Munchenburg of Hobart, Kim (David) Erwin of Baytown, TX, Diane Balcerak of Baytown, TX and Carrie (Eddie) Durham of Aledo, TX; nephews Dan (Debbie) Balcerak of Crown Point, William Balcerak of Crown Point, Tom (Denise) Balcerak of LaPorte and Brett Balcerak of Baytown, TX; sister-in-law: Betty Sirko of Merrillville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Sirko and parents: William and Anna Balcerak.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Sirko and parents William and Anna Balcerak.

Leona attended Lew Wallace High School. She was a member and president of the Rosary Sodality at St. Mark Catholic Church, employed at the Ridge Department Store and later at the Gary Screw and Bolt. A long-time resident of Crown Point and member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church until moving to Chesterton to live with her son and daughter-in-law where she attended Saint Patrick Church.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother who throughout her life supported her children’s education and activities. She rarely missed her grandson’s events, whether a baseball or hockey game or musical performance. A former PTA president, she believed in the power of education. Her children chose careers in the field of education.

In her free time Leona loved to shop, especially for clothes. She was also an avid reader even unto her final days. She also loved to make ceramic crafts, gardening and stayed active. She touched many with her warm personality, her gentle manner and beautiful blue eyes. She is and will be loved and missed by many.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, November 8, 2013, at Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre, 606 E. 113th Ave./South St., Crown Point, Ind., from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.

A Rosary Service will be held at 5:00 p.m.

Funeral prayers will be said on Saturday, November 9, at 9:00 a.m. at Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre in Crown Point, Ind., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 321 E. Joliet St., Crown Point, Ind., with Fr. Pat Kalich officiating.

Interment will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. View directions and/or sign a guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com or call 219-663-2500.

 

Posted 11/7/2013

 
 

 

 

 

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