Estelle Barbara Drozdz, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 23, 2013 in Jupiter Florida. The second of 5 children, Estelle was born April 5, 1921 to Michael and Eva (Torba) Ignarski in Hammond Indiana. She married Stanley Drozdz at St. Casimir's church in Hammond on November 14, 1942. Together, they had five children: Stanley Jr. (Francesca) of Litchfield Park, Arizona; Carole (Karabet) Adjemian of Jupiter, Florida; Sandra (Donald) Burke of Saint Joseph, Illinois;  Deborah (Norman) Mastronicola of Fishers, Indiana; and Michael, who died in infancy. Estelle also leaves behind her sister Loretta (Tony) Lach, a sister-in-law Helen (Richard) Tomaszewski, 7 grandchildren: Amy (Vince) Drozdz Paul, Mike (Jennie) Adjemian, Johanna Burke, Matt (Megan) Adjemian, Dan Burke, Kate Mastronicola, Emily Mastronicola; 4 great-grandchildren: Vasili and Vinnie Paul; Andy and Jessie Adjemian; and many nieces and nephews.

Her brother Joseph, infant son, parents, husband, and sisters Jean Demkowicz and Connie Szyndrowski preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 4, 2013 at 10:00am at

St. Mary Catholic Church located at 525 S. Broad Street, Griffith

With Fr. Theodore Mens celebrating,

inurnment will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville.

Friends may meet with the family on Sunday, February 3, from 2:00pm until 5:00pm, with a prayer service at 3:00pm

at White Funeral Home located at 921 W. 45th Avenue, Griffith.

Estelle loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was a working mother before the term became fashionable. Estelle waitressed at some of the fine restaurants of the time and spent much of her long waitressing career at San Remo's in Griffith. Not one to stand still for long, she then went to work in the cafeteria at Griffith High School. She loved to entertain and was known for being a serious pinochle player. Estelle was well known in the church community for her volunteerism. She was an active member of the Altar and Rosary Society at St. Mary's parish and served in leadership roles with the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.  For her Leadership and Volunteer efforts through Catholic Charities, Estelle was recognized by the Governor of the State of Indiana. She organized countless holiday parties for the residents of Beatty Hospital, served as a girl scout leader, and a CCD teacher, but she is probably best known for "Ma Drozdz' Chicken Dinner" at St. Mary's. Estelle organized the first of what became an annual fundraising event for the parish during the summer "Western Days" festival. She and her circle of friends remained in charge of the chicken dinner for several years.

Estelle and Stanley lived in Griffith, Indiana for 43 years. They were vagabonds who purchased an RV in the 1960's and explored the US, Canada, and parts of Mexico with their children every summer. Estelle never met an amusement park she didn't like and she never knew a stranger. She loved camping as much as she loved fine dining and 5 star hotels. After selling their home in Griffith, Stanley and Estelle traveled together for a few short years after their retirement until his untimely death in 1986. After Stanley died, Estelle eventually settled in Florida. She took up golf and found friends who enjoyed pinochle as much as she did. Until just a few years ago, Estelle continued to travel. She loved visiting with her children and grandchildren, but Estelle was both brave and daring. She travelled to Europe twice with friends and was always thinking about where she wanted to go next. She loved her family without bounds, and took pride in everything her children did. She was loved as much as she loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.  We wish you a safe journey home mom.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to the Share Foundation, at PO box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.

For more information please call White Funeral Home at 219-924-4100

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