Maria Elena Salazar

Maria Elena Salazar (known by family and friends as “Cookie”) age 74, of Lake Station, born in East Chicago, passed away on December 18, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents Teodoro (Lolo) and Esperanza (Betty) Torres. Maria is survived by her beloved husband Peter; son Nick (Tracy); daughter Andrea; grandchildren Nicholas, Jessica and Vicky; her siblings, Raul, Ruben, Teresa, Dolores and Esmeralda; in-laws, multiple nieces and nephews. She married her Cudahy childhood sweetheart and they recently celebrated their 52nd anniversary and even more years as a couple. Throughout her life she loved babies and working at daycares, cutting hair, playing the piano (including at family parties), baking Christmas cookies with her nieces, making the best homemade tortillas, watching sci-fi movies, collecting and giving jewelry. Maria loved to laugh and make people smile, which she naturally did with her beautiful sweet, loving presence. She brought joy, love and laughter to those around her including in different ways that she entertained over the years. She loved her two children and grandchildren greatly. Maria dearly loved her Godchildren Michael, Alex, Michelle and Laura. She was very blessed to have wonderful in-laws Catarino and Pilar Salazar and the Salazar-Napules family in addition to her loving Torres-Mata family. She was the best wife, mother and sister anyone could ask for. A Gem to all of us. A beautiful shining Jewel in this world, who will be greatly missed. A special thanks to her wonderful Caregiver who adopted her as their own family: Krista DeLeon and her children, Zyllah and Macho. In our eyes they are her daughter and grandchildren. She was beyond blessed to have her husband and daughter by her side these past 12 years with unconditional and devoted care, who put her first while battling their own health issues. Their beautiful love and unmatched support are not often found for those that need care at the end of their lives. Maria loved the Lord with all her heart and was a lifelong Christian who found the strength through Jesus throughout her life. A few days prior, she voiced her love for Jesus, asked to see her parents and Jesus, plus expressed the desire to walk again. We know she is now healed and walking in Heaven. Her last wishes were fulfilled. We appreciate all the condolences, texts and calls we have received. There will not be any services, as we honor her wishes. She wanted to be remembered and treasured by the memories everyone has of her. In Lieu of flowers, please make a special donation in her name to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Burns Funeral Home (Hobart) entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Maria Elena Salazar

November 11, 1947 - December 18, 2021