Lynda C. McQueary

Lynda C McQueary (nee Krzyzewski) was called home on Saturday, November 18, 2023 while in the care of the wonderful nurses of the VNA Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton Hospice Center in Valparaiso, Indiana at age 71. Lynda was born on March 25, 1952 to Alice Wilski and Edmund Kryzewski in Gary, Indiana. She graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1970 and continued on to receive her MA in education at Indiana University. Lynda was a teacher for over 30 years within the Diocese of Gary, most of which was at St. Marks in Gary, IN. She completed her last year of teaching at Annunciata School in Chicago, IL. Within those years, she touched countless lives as a teacher and friend. Lynda earned a place in the Who’s Who of teachers and earned Teacher of the Year awards as well. She even participated in an educational sorority to help promote her love of teaching. She would include music in her daily routine in the classroom as well as playing and singing for all of the school masses. For over 50 years, Lynda served the Lord as a church organist. She taught herself how to play the piano, and her mom eventually enrolled her in music lessons. Lynda bought a piano before she bought her first car! Through her love of the Lord and music, Lynda began playing as the church organist for Holy Family in Gary, IN at age 13. From there, she played all over the Diocese of Gary, sometimes averaging 5 - 6 masses on any given weekend. She last attended worship services, sang in the choir, played in the bell choir, and played the organ and piano for Trinity Lutheran Church in Hobart, IN. She also sang for countless weddings and funerals across Northwest Indiana, including one for a previous student in Texas! Lynda loved knowing that her music brought joy wherever she played and sang, even in her last few years at Belvedere Senior Living, Symphony of Crown Point and Chesterton, Waters of Hobart, and even singing along with mass at the VNA. Lynda’s love of music also brought her to sing and play for Pope John Paul when he visited Chicago. She also was a founding member of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra’s Chorus and performed with them and accompanied them for several years. Lynda also enjoyed participating in community theatre with her daughter and granddaughter. Growing up, you could find Lynda at bingo with her mom, or heading to Potawatami for a weekend with her mom and friends. At Belvedere Senior living, Lynda found a joy for crafting and playing games with her friends. She could often be found in the recreational room organizing activities with her sister. She also loved to make things for family and friends, especially if it was music themed! Lynda was a ray of sunshine wherever she went, always thinking about others. Even in her last few weeks at the VNA facility, the nurses expressed how Lynda would ask how they were doing and often joked around with them. Amongst her family, she was known as the caregiver and emotional one, always crying while watching Sound of Music or Mr. Holland’s Opus. Her favorite channel was Hallmark, and she also loved Law and Order style shows. If the grandkids were over, she’d happily watch any of their silly cartoons with them too. Lynda is survived by her daughter, Rhonda (Greg) Crouch and sisters Alice Ray and Vicky (Tim) McGee. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren, Jason and Krystal, as well as her niece Kimberly (Jordan) Myers and nephew Christopher (Michelle) McGee. She accompanied her great-nephew Noah for solo and ensemble and enjoyed visits with her great nieces Riley and Marley and great-nephew Bryce. She also is survived by several cousins and many friends. Lynda was preceded in death by her husband, Roy McQueary. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Edmund Kryzewski and Alice Kaye, as well as infant sister Rhonda Krzyzewski. Friends and relatives are welcome to visit Lynda’s family on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hobart, IN from 9 am 10 am. A Celebration of Life will follow at 10 a.m. with Pastor Nathan Kramer officiating. Burns Funeral Home, Crown Point entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

Lynda C. McQueary

March 25, 1952 - November 18, 2023