Sophia Saliwonczyk

February 16, 1933 - September 19, 2020

Sophia Saliwonczyk, age 87 of Crown Point, IN passed away peacefully on September 19, 2020. She was born in Gary, IN. She retired from Chase Bank, formally Gary National Bank, and a graduate of Horace Mann High School, class of 1951, graduated from the AM Institute of Banking, Yvonne Modeling School, Member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox church, Serbian Sisters alumni, Kolo Sisters Circle, Karageorge choir and King Peter Insurance. Her husband of 32 years, John Saliwonczyk proceeded her in death along with parents Risto and Gospava Sekerez, bothers Momir and Zarko, sister Momirka, and grandson Austin Straten. She is survived by her two loving daughters, Lisa Walker Straten, Lori Pittman (Jeff); three loving sons Gregory (Becky), Michael, and Nicholas (Beth) Saliwonczyk. Beloved grandchildren, Johnny Pittman (Lara), Sara Pittman Marks (Mason), Nolan Pittman, Jackson Saliwonczyk, Nicolette and Jason Saliwonczyk, Ryan, Royce, and Tyler Walker; Brett Straten; Sasha Saliwonczyk and Lauren Zurbriggen (Carl). Great Grandchildren, Mila Pittman and Scarlett Zurbriggen; Sister-in-law Nancy Pachapa and Angie Saliwonczyk and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She leaves all her children and grandchildren with the knowledge that they were truly loved. She loved her family more than anything, always said that she was a rich woman as long as she had her family around her, and she was indeed surrounded by all of us as she peacefully passed away. She enjoyed baking and cooking, gardening, and attending any weed or fallen branch outside, she was famously known for her “nut rolls”- she made the Best nut rolls. She will be remembered for her dedication and hard work and especially for her baking. She lost the love of her live, John at 59 years old, was lucky to be with him for 32 years. She will be dearly missed; may her memory be eternal. Visitation, Thursday, September 24, 2020 from 3-9 pm with Pomen service at 7 p.m.at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point. Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 25, 2020 at 10:00 am DIRECTLY at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery. www.burnsfuneral.com