Stella Teresa Halajcsik (nee Bzibziak), 88 of Whiting, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the Hammond-Whiting Care Center. She was the beloved wife of the late Joe Halajcsik, who was the love of her life, in 2001; loving mother of Patricia (John) Hemm of Whiting, Stanley (Patti) Halajcsik of Schererville, Rich (Jackie) Halajcsik of Manitowac, WI and the late Joey (Nikki Crocker) Halajcsik; special daughter-in-law, Lori Winandy; cherished grandmother of Stefanie Hemm, who was also her caregiver, Shellee (Daniel) Whitefoot, Shannon (David) Meier, Michael Halajcsik, Steve (Kathy) Halajcsik, Bernie (John) Friel, Renee (Dennis) Halajcsik-Aker and Ryan Polak; Best “GiGi” Ever to Gavin Hemm-Boland; adoring great grandma of Blake, Avery, Tierney, Zack, Stacey, Donovan, Jake, Molly and Degan; dearest sister of Josephine “Dolly” and was also preceded in death by five sisters and a brother;  many nieces and nephews.

            Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 10:00am Liturgy at St. Mary’s Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church, 2011 Clark St., Whiting with the Rev. Andrew Summerson, officiating; interment, St. Mary Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting on Monday from 2:00 to 8:00pm and at the church on Tuesday from 9:15am to time of services; Parastas Service at the funeral home on Monday at 7:00pm.

            Stella Halajcsik was born on September 27, 1929 to Matthew and Salomea Bzibziak. She was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region and was a member of St. Mary’s Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church, Whiting. She was a former cook at Al Knapp’s Restaurant and Phil Smidt’s Restaurant. She liked to color, watch World Wide Wrestling, men in kilts, panda bears and giraffes. Devoted to her family, Stella will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Hammond-Whiting Care Center for the compassion shown to Stella during her stay. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, would be appreciated.

 Service Information