Sharon A. Gayda

Sharon Ann Gayda (nee Kosakowski), Age 69 of Merrillville IN. passed away in peace on August 17th, 2016. Sharon was a resident of the Merrillville/Hobart area, most recently holding court at the Brookdale Community Center in Merrillville. Sharon was a long time player on the retail market in Merrillville, working at the legendary Midwest giant retailer Kmart store on US 30. Serving and leading in its heyday for 18 years as the Queen of the customer service desk. Becoming quite legendary and some say mythical in the industry for her strong work and honest ethics, Sharon challenged the most questionable customers who tried to take advantage of the stores relaxed return policies, Sharon fought the good fight and never allowed these customers to take advantage of Kmart’s policies and upheld the stores integrity. These customers who found that they could no longer take advantage or get one over on Sharon at Kmart turned their unscrupulous ways to the newly built Meijer Foods Store, only to once again be surprised and thwarted by Sharon as she took over the helm of the customer service desk at this store and righteously continued her fight for over 10 years with Meijer’s. Over the years, Sharon had made many friends at both stores and quite often they would come to visit with her and catch up on life. Realizing that she had done all that she could do in the industry, Sharon looked at a life of retirement and ease and settled comfortably in her home in Hobart. Soon after, Sharon discovered that a new life of bingo, socializing and new friends were in her future and took up residence at the Brookdale Community Center in Merrillville, where she once again quickly took over the mantle of being Queen of bingo and other social activities. Sharon had a love of socializing with her friends; both new and old and always kept tabs of everyone’s growing families, coming and goings and shared in their happiness and successes. Always on the go, she and her sister Cindy would often travel around the area doing anything and everything, whether they were invited or not. A close family, Sharon shared many laughs and great times with her other sisters Linda, Nancy, Kimberly and her brother Edward as well. Together, all 6 of them inspired what a close family who loved each other and shared what a family should be. Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Richard J. Gayda, who loved her immensely and fondly referred to her as the “wife”, her daughter Tammy Lynn Vlasic and her parents Edward & Cecelia Kosakowski. She is survived by her two sons, Ron (Laurie) Vlasic, Tom (Ronald Tuan-Mu) Vlasic, daughters Jennifer Mohoi & Kathleen (Edward) Yonushatis as well as grandchildren; Christian, Madison, Nicholas & Ava Vlasic, Ethan & Payton Mohoi, new arrival, Collin Yonushatis and great grandson Foster Vlasic. Friends may visit with Sharon’s family on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m. www.burnsfuneral.com

Sharon A. Gayda

November 29, 1946 - August 17, 2016