Genevieve "Gen" Katherine Schiralli

Genevieve Katherine Schiralli, age 105, of Valparaiso, Indiana, peacefully passed away while being surrounded by all of her children and grandson, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Gen is survived by sons, Nicholas Schiralli, John Schiralli, Rocco (Tammy) Schiralli; daughter, Therese (Gus) Tsirtsis; grandchildren, Jillian (Gerome) Samonte, Dominic Schiralli, Damion Schiralli and George Tsirtsis; nieces and nephews; and numerous cherished friends. Preceded in death by husband, Peter Schiralli; parents, John and Olga Cougias; brother Christopher Cogis; sister Alice Colias; daughter-in-law Brooksine Schiralli; and grandson Michel Nicholas Schiralli. Gen was graduated from Froebel High School in Gary, Indiana at the young age of 16. Gen also was graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where she was a member of the marching band. She also attended Gary College, Valparaiso University, and Columbia University in New York. She taught English and French, and she was a research librarian. Gen developed an appreciation of the arts at an early age. As a child she played violin and mandolin in the Russian and Greek orchestras. At the age of 60 she learned to play classical guitar. She had a great appreciation and knowledge of the theater, opera, classical music, fine art, cooking, baking, literature, poetry, religion, philosophy, and politics. She always kept up with current events, and she dreamed of a better world. Her love, kindness, and compassion toward her family and friends was unconditional, and she always displayed empathy toward others who struggled in life. She was a source of joy to everyone who knew her, and everyone who knew her would agree that she was the best example of how a human being should spend their time on earth. Above all, Gen loved her children and family, and she did her best to instill those values in them. Although she was small in stature, Gen was mighty; always giving the family orders when necessary. Thus, Gen became known as The General. When life presented her with difficult battles, The General never surrendered. Genevieve Katherine Schiralli was humble and wise, and forever young at heart. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 4 – 8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point. A visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 DIRECTLY at Holy Spirit Catholic church, 7667 E. 109th Ave, Crown Point, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Memorial Hospital. www.burnsfunral.com

Genevieve "Gen" Katherine Schiralli

March 28, 1919 - April 2, 2024