DONNA KOWALISYN

St. John, IN Formally of Griffith, IN

Donna L. Kowalisyn (nee Stivers), age 80, passed away on Friday November 2, 2012.  She is survived by daughters Nanette (Gary) Raduenz of Dyer, Diane Kowalisyn of Lowell, Pamela Kowalisyn of Richmond, IN; son Nicholas S. Kowalisyn of Crown Point; her precious grandchildren, Shawna (Keith) Coleman, Michael Raduenz and Alex Kowalisyn; and her great granddaughter Lillian Nicole Coleman.  She is also survived by cousins Susan Primach and Rosemary Evans, sisters-in law Shirle Kowalisyn and Marge Kowalisyn, brother-in-law Robert Zimmerman, and many nieces, nephews and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband Nick Kowalisyn, her parents Kenneth A. Stivers, Mildred V. Stivers (Duve), and her step-father Eugene Dye.

Donna was born on July 25, 1932 in Hammond, Indiana.  She attended grade school and middle school in Crown Point, Indiana.  Her family then moved to Griffith, Indiana.  She graduated from Griffith High School in 1950.  After finishing high school she went to IBM School in Chicago, Illinois.  After graduation she worked as an IBM Keypunch operator at Graner Tank in East Chicago, Indiana.  In 1951 Donna met the love of her life, Nick Kowalisyn.   They were married on September 12, 1953 and spent the rest of their lives together.  Their adventure took them to West Lafayette, Indiana while Nick was studying pharmacy.  They lived in San Antonio, TX while Nick served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1958.  After the service, they returned to the region and made Cedar Lake, Indiana their first stop.  Soon after, they bought their first home in Griffith, Indiana.  Donna owned and operated the Griffith General Health Foods Store with her sister-in-law Shirle.   But she always said her favorite job was raising her children, and grandchildren.  Donna and Nick left the region in 1995 and enjoyed 15 wonderful years in Barefoot Bay, Florida.  They returned to the region in 2009 to complete their journey.    Donna was an only child but she was a natural when it came to big family.  She opened her home and her heart to all.  Whether you were family or friend you were welcome to a cook out by the pool or a holiday celebration at her home.  She will be remembered for her kindness, her sweet smile and her inner strength.  We thank her for showing us what it meant to love and to be loved.

A memorial service will be held on Friday November 9, 2012 at 11:00am at White Funeral Home located at 921 W. 45 ^th Ave. in Griffith, IN with Pastor Andrew Bailey officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. Friends may meet with the family on Friday morning from 10am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Calumet.

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