Eleanor Kay Mirich

Eleanor Kay Mirich, age 79 of Crown Point, passed away on August 20, 2017 after an arduous battle with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on November 27, 1937 in “The Harbor” of East Chicago. Elle is survived by her adoring husband of 57 years- Ernest; five children-Michele Mirich, Melissa (Peter) Reardon, Ernest Carl Mirich II, Marcella (Steve) Larson, Eric (Amy) Mirich; 14 grandchildren-Michael Edward (Sasha), Nathaniel, Joseph, Gabrielle (Darryl) Wiederhold, Thomas, Francis, Catherine Grace, Callum , Jack, Jonas, Sophie, Mathew, Nicholas, and Ryan; great grandsons-Gabriel, Luka and Expecting baby; sisters-Dottie (Ron) KIngen, Ronnie (Jim) Morse; brother-in-law-John Marter; godson-Terry Chouinard; many loving nieces and nephews. Elle was preceded in death by her loving parents-Joseph and Josephine Kay; sister-Mary Jo Marter. Eleanor began her career in the health field at the early age of 16 after graduating from Bishop Noll HS in Hammond and entering St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in Lafayette, IN, where she graduated with her RN in 1958. She continued her studies earning a BS and Master’s degree in Health Service Administration from the College of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. Eleanor’s professional life included modeling for Patricia Stevens of Chicago; surgical nurse at St. Margaret’s Hospital; Oncology research nurse for Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit MI. In 1973, Eleanor became chief executive officer, chief financial officer and health administrator of Mirich Medical Corp. in 1983, she became the Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at Heart Pace 2000 in Merrillville. She was board director of Northern Indiana Arts Association, Hospice of Calumet Area, Chair of Development and Board of Director, Catholic Charities Board of Director, Tradewinds Rehabilitation Women’s Board Development Committee, Friends of Hospice Member and Mensa Member. In 2002, Eleanor and her husband Ernest established The Eleanor Mirich Home, a Tradewinds Group Home for men with disabilities, located in Crown Point, IN. Her published works included ” Health Care Economics, Megatrends and Overviews.” Eleanor has received numerous honor and awards over the years. She has been listed in Who’s Who in American Women, International Who’s Who in Medicine, International Who’s Who of Intellectuals, and Foremost Women of the 20th Century. In 2004, Eleanor was appointed the rank and title of “Sagamore of the Wabash” by Governor Joseph E. Kernan, State of Indiana. In 2015, Eleanor was inducted as an Emeritus Board Member of Hospice of the Calumet Area for her exceptional service as Board Director from 1985-2015. Friends may meet with Eleanor’s family for visitation on Friday, August 25th from 2-8 p.m. (2 pm prayer service) at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Matthias Church , 101 W. Burrell Dr., Crown Point, IN with Monsignor Joseph Semancik officiating. On Saturday, funeral will start with prayers at Burns Funeral Home at 9:15 a.m. before church. Entombment at Calumet Park Cemetery. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area or Tradewinds Rehabilitation Center Inc. www.burnsfuneral.com

Eleanor Kay Mirich

November 27, 1937 - August 20, 2017