Frances V. (Cieslak) Vanek

Frances V. Vanek (nee Cieslak) 91 of Hammond, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the Community Hospital, Munster . She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph J. Vanek who passed away November 1, 2012; loving mother of Robert (Christine) Vanek, late Barbara (late Larry) Anthony, Sheila Vanek, Gloria (Johnny) Maricich and Mary Vanek; cherished grandmother of TJ (Kelli) Anthony, JE (Kelly) Anthony, Ginger Anthony, Randy (Kristina) Vanek, Steven Vanek and Kimberly (Jason) Lowe; adoring great grandma of nine; proud aunt of many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mary (late Charles) Miklusak, Ann (late Walter) Mastey and two brothers, Stanley “Casey” (late Ann) Cieslak and Barney (late Helen) Cieslak.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 10:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S., officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Monday morning from 9:00am to time of services. The Mass will be live-streamed at www.stjohnbap.org. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Frances Vanek was born on August 27, 1931. She was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region and was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1950. Frances was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting and the St. John Rosary Society. She was an employee of the former Condes Catering, Whiting, with a service of 25 years. She loved to play cards and play word search puzzles. Devoted to her family, Frances will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Special thanks to her home healthcare nurse, Jillian Wheeler and her dear friend, Kathryn Jezuit for all of the special care and compassions shown to Frances. Memorials to the SHARE Foundation for the Handicapped, P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371 or to the Carmelite Monasery, 1628 Ridge Road, Munster, IN 46321, would be appreciated. 

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