Nancy Pachapa

Nancy Pachapa (née Saliwonczyk), 92, of Valparaiso, formerly of Crown Point, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, surrounded by her family. Nancy was born on March 5, 1934, in Antopal, Belarus. She immigrated to the United States in 1949 and settled in Gary, Indiana, in 1950, where she built a life rooted in family, hard work, and love. She dedicated many years of her career to Ethan Allen Furniture before retiring in 1990. On November 17, 1956, Nancy married the love of her life, Mike Pachapa. Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage before Mike’s passing in May 2019. She was also preceded in death by her beloved oldest daughter, Joyce, in May 2025, also preceded in death by her siblings, John, Lidia and Stash Saliwonczyk. Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Known lovingly as “Baba,” she treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took immense pride in her family. Nancy found happiness tending to her flowers, especially her many beautiful roses. She and Mike spent their retirement years between Indiana and Florida, where they built lasting friendships and created cherished memories whether it was spending time with family or friends, music and dancing were among their favorite pastimes, and they enjoyed spending time at local clubs throughout the years. Nancy is survived by her children, Ed (Sue) Pachapa, Lil (Brice) Allen, and Karen (Russ) Fife; her grandchildren, Lauren (Cory) Detamore, Miles (Leslie Villarreal) Allen, Nicholas (Catherine) Kitchell, Emma (Ryan) Johnson, Allison (Justin) Harkey, Matthew Pachapa, and Mason Allen; and her great-grandchildren, Sloane and Zane Detamore, Hallie and Peyton Harkey, Rylie Johnson, and Juliette Kitchell. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. Rev. Jacob Van Sickle officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Nancy’s kindness, strength, love of family, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Please visit Nancy’s online obituary and guestbook at www.burnsfuneral.com.

Nancy Pachapa

March 5, 1934 - June 11, 2026