Pauline Anna (Janos) Brehmer (Zimnawoda)

Pauline Anna (Zimnawoda) (nee Janos) Brehmer passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024 with her family at her side at the age of 100.

Born in Whiting, Indiana, Pauline attended Whiting High School and later married Bernard Zimnawoda on February 15, 1942. The two were soon separated when Bernard proudly served for 3 years during WWII. Together, they had 6 children. Widowed at the age of 43 with 5 children still at home, Pauline overcame considerable adversity raising her family. In 1972, she married Carl Brehmer and they spent 19 happy years together before he passed.

She is survived by her children: Tom (Gloria) Zimnawoda, Richard (Susan) Zimnawoda, John (Theresa) Zimnawoda, Janis (Dennis) Rubino, Randall (Lori) Zimnawoda, and Lisa (Tony) Knight; grandchildren: Michael Zimnawoda, Kristine Pilewski, Elissa Zimnawoda-Daugherty, Robert Zimnawoda, Sarah Bachman, Valerie Karamanis, Mary Werner, Heather McMahon, Megan Jantelezio, Arron Zimnawoda, Andrea Zimnawoda, Alexander Zimnawoda, Jessica Milburn, and Justin Knight; her 28 great- grandchildren; and by her nieces and nephews.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents George and Mary Janos; husbands Bernard Zimnawoda and Carl Brehmer Sr.; step-children Carl Brehmer Jr. and John (Carolyn) Brehmer; and by her siblings George Janos Jr., John Janos, Mary Moredich, Irene DuVerney, and Anna Mae Lewandowski.

Pauline was devoted to her family and her faith. She was a dedicated member of the Ross Community Reformed Church for 58 years. She cherished each of her 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren along with their spouses as well as her 2 step-children and their families. Pauline was especially proud of her 4 sons and several grandsons who chose to serve in the military. Pauline never forgot a Birthday or an anniversary. Her impromptu cards that included a 5 dollar bill and the message, “Go get some ice cream!” are now treasured by her grandchildren.

Pauline loved her Slovak heritage and made the best halupki, bobalky, and nut rolls. Christmas Eve brought her family together year after year. Under her watchful eye, family members anticipated dipping into the Slovak “money bowl” (“No sweeping!”). Even into her 90’s, Pauline enthusiastically planted her flower and vegetable gardens each spring. Her “green thumb” was just one of her many skills. Our “Grandma” Pauline occupied a large part of our hearts for so very long and she will be missed without measure.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Ross Community Reformed Church located at 3900 W. 41st. Ave., Gary, IN with Pastor Tom Archer presiding. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville.

Friends may meet with the family on Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 at WHITE FUNERAL HOME located at 921 W. Glen Park Ave., Griffith, IN and again on Friday morning, July 26, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service at Ross Community Reformed Church.

Memorials may be given to Ross Community Reformed Church, 3900 W. 41st. Ave., Gary, IN 46408, or to a charity of your choice.  

For more information, please contact White Funeral Home at 219-924-4100 or visit our website at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com

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