Yolanda Marie Guernsey

Yolanda Marie Guernsey (nee Roperti), age 93, of Gary, passed away November 28, 2015. Yolanda was born March 23, 1922 to Salvatore and Carmella Roperti. She graduated from Emerson High School and worked as a bookkeeper for Sears Roebuck. She married the love of her life, Mike, On October 29, 1949. Yolanda was a devoted Catholic, whose faith and family were the focus of her life. She was lovingly known as “little Grandma” to all who were blessed to know her. Until the very end she was the perfect Italian grandma making sure those who visited her were offered food and drink, letting them know how much she loved them and they were in her prayers. Yolanda was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Mike” Guernsey; brother – Nick Roperti; sisters – Nicolanna Bianchini, Michelina Valentine, Jeanne Cloyd. She is survived by her daughter-Peggy Guernsey of Ogden Dunes; son-Deacon Dennis (Janet) Guernsey of Portage and daughter-Lisa (Cliff) Hayes of Portage; five grandchildren- Sherry(Albert) Razo of Phoenix, AZ, Dennis (Kristen) Guernsey of Chesapeake VA, Tina Guernsey of Lake Station, Ryan and Kyle Hayes of Portage; seven great grandchildren – Alex and Anna Razo, Austin, Reese, Luca Guernsey and Nick and Gabby Ward; sister- Nikki (Larry) Naughan of Valparaiso; many loving nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; her puppies-“Chester” and “Megan”. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage, Rev. David Kime, and Rev. Andrew J. Corona officiating. Friends may visit with Yolanda’s family on Wednesday from 2-8:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point and at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. A prayer service will be held Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. A special thanks to Danielle “Mary” Archer, Deborah Spurling, Dr. Lauren Harting and the staff of VNA Hospice of Porter County for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Order of Missionaries of Charity Sisters or to St. Francis Xavier Church, 2447 Putnam Street, Lake Station, IN 46405. www.burnsfuneral.com

Yolanda Marie Guernsey

March 23, 1922 - November 28, 2015