Valeria Kolodziej, 91, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2020. She is survived by daughters Janis (Robert) Schneider and Kathleen Kolodziej; grandchildren Jennifer & Lauren Schneider, Valerie (Joe Moskovich), Justin, & Garrett Brincko; great-granddaughter, Anatevka Brincko; sister-in-law, Barbara Szczepanski; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by Michael (Sophie) Sajdyk, Mary (Emery) Miklos, Angeline (Ted) Radolak, Justine (Chet) Brentlinger, Victoria (Edmund) Tryka, Edward (Ann) Szczepanski, John Szczepanski, and Eugene (Barb) Szczepanski.

Born May 28, 1928, East Chicago, IN, to John and Mary (Szala) Szczepanski. She married Henry J. Kolodziej September 16, 1950. They eventually settled in Munster, IN. She worked as a clerk at Inland Steel Company. She was a member of the Polish Women’s Alliance. In addition to many other activities, Val and Hank took up ballroom dancing. They then retired to Tucson, Arizona, and were active in their community. Val continued to live there for 12 years after Hank’s passing. While living in Arizona, she was an avid golfer (made a hole-in-one) and was on a bowling league where she scored more than one 300-point games. She returned to Valparaiso, IN, in 2010 where she continued to live out her life. She was a loving and fun mother and grandmother. Valeria was an excellent cook, baker, and gardener.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020. Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 directly at St. Thomas More Church, 8501 Calumet Ave., Munster, Indiana. Mass of Christian burial will be held immediately following at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Michael Yadron officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery with graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in the name of Valeria Kolodziej to Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

A special thank you to all the wonderful caregivers at Brookdale Memory and Dunes Hospice in Valparaiso, IN, for the gentle care & thoughtfulness that was provided to Valeria during her stay.
She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, godmother, aunt & friend.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.burnskish.com.

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