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Harriet Szafranski

Date of Death: January 29, 2018

visitation

Visitation
Pruzin Brothers Chapel
6360 Broadway
Merrillville, IN 46410
Friday 2/2, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

service

Service
Calumet Park Cemetery
2305 West 73rd Avenue
Merrillville, IN 46410
Saturday 2/3, 11:30 am
Pruzin Brothers Chapel
6360 Broadway
Merrillville, IN 46410
Friday 2/2, 6:30 pm
Pruzin Brothers Chapel
6360 Broadway
Merrillville, IN 46410
Saturday 2/3, 9:30 am

mass

Mass
SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery
Merrilville, IN 46410
Saturday 2/3, 10:00 am

HARRIET M. SZAFRANSKI (nee Nalewski), age 86 of Hobart; formerly of Merrillville, passed away Monday, January, 29, 2018.

Harriet was born April 13, 1931 to Michaline and John Nalewski. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Mitch; son, Robert Szafranski; father, John Nalewski; her mother and stepfather, Michaline and Alex Czajkowski; brothers, Dan Nelson and his wife, Hazel, and Joseph Neal.

Harriet married Mitchell Szafranski on May 16, 1953 and they fostered 26 children and were adopted parents of 5 children. She is survived by two sons: Joseph and Dr. John (fiancée Christine) ; two daughters, Geralyn “Lynn” (Derek) Heafey and Michele (Michael) Kirksey; grandchildren: Malissa (James) Conley, Christina, Michael, and Sydney Szafranski, Joshua Kirksey; great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Emily, and Jimmy Conley; brother, Stanley (late Iona) Nalewski and Alex Czajkowski; daughters-in-law, Shelly Szafranski and Donna Szafranski; sisters-in-law, Bobbie Czajkowski and Dolly Neal; many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews; extended family: foster daughter, Susan (Martin) Engstrom and their children: Logan, Zachery, Sean, and Alyssa Engstrom, Bernadette, Stacy, Hayden, and Gage Iliff; Tom, T.J., Chad, and Cassie Pruzin.

Harriet was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Merrillville. She was a member of the Marion Choir, Rosary Sodality, and was a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound. She was a past member and Jr. President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #78, Indiana Harbor, Vice President of St. Cecelia Choir, and Past President of Young Ladies Sodality, St. John Cantius Church in East Chicago, past member of Share Foundation, past Vice President of K of C wives, Monsignor Ryder Council #4047, past Vice President American Legion Auxiliary Unit #207. She was a graduate of East Chicago Washington High School, class of 1949.

Family and friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service, 6360 Broadway, Merrillville on Friday, February 2, 2018 from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 3, 2018 beginning at 9:30 am. from Pruzin Brothers Chapel and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. from SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 5885 Harrison St., Merrillville with Rev. James Meade celebrating. At rest Calumet Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Share Foundation, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, or SS. Peter & Paul Building Fund.

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Arrangements starting at $35

Visitation
Pruzin Brothers Chapel
6360 Broadway
Merrillville, IN 46410
Map
Friday 2/2, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Service
Calumet Park Cemetery
2305 West 73rd Avenue
Merrillville, IN 46410
Map
Saturday 2/3, 11:30 am
Pruzin Brothers Chapel
6360 Broadway
Merrillville, IN 46410
Map
Friday 2/2, 6:30 pm
Pruzin Brothers Chapel
6360 Broadway
Merrillville, IN 46410
Map
Saturday 2/3, 9:30 am
Mass
SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery
Merrilville, IN 46410
Map
Saturday 2/3, 10:00 am

HARRIET M. SZAFRANSKI (nee Nalewski), age 86 of Hobart; formerly of Merrillville, passed away Monday, January, 29, 2018. Harriet was born April 13, 1931 to Michaline and John Nalewski. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Mitch; son, Robert Szafranski; father, John Nalewski; her mother and stepfather, Michaline and Alex Czajkowski;Continue Reading

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judith a rutovic left a message on February 2, 2018:
Life is wonderful and part of life is death which comes with the sadness of knowing we will never see her and those we love again. Most of all life comes with joy from those we love. Auntie brought so much joy to me and everyone she would meet. I will always see her beautiful smile and hear her loving voice in my mind and heart. My life was made very special because My Aunt Harriet made me feel special, she made everyone feel special. Now she has her Angel wings watching over us and resting in peace! I love you AuntieOXOXO
Julia Hernandez left a message on February 2, 2018:
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I too have suffered the loss of both a mother and grandmother, and the pain can seem overwhelming. However I found comfort in the Bible's promise for the future. Acts 24:15 speaks of a resurrection, a time when God will reunite us with our loved ones again! I hope this helps bring some comfort in this time of sorrow.
Dr. Mary Ann and Jim Jones left a message on February 2, 2018:
Dr.John, We are so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Just read about her in tonight's Vidette Times--too late, unfortunately to make the wake, and we are going up to Wisconsin to see our daughter Angie and grandkids tomorrow so will miss the funeral as well. Too bad. I would have loved to see you again. Lost track of you when you were down south. Your mom sounds like a lovely lady, and I am sure she had a huge impact on who you are today. May you remember her well and may she leave loving memories with you and your children. Jim and Mary Ann Jones
Joe and Diane Glidewell left a message on February 1, 2018:
We found out at our winter home of the passing of our kind and generous neighbor Harriet. With sadness we miss her but Heaven celebrates her coming home.
Susan Engstrom left a message on January 31, 2018:
I was saddened to hear the news of her passing. She was so much more then a foster mom to me She was my mom. I feel blessed to have had her in my life. Rest in peace.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Malissa and James Conley left a message on January 31, 2018:
Grandma you will always hold a very special place in my heart. You were like a mother to me growing up. I spent every day with you at your house growing up and I will always remember those being some of the happiest times of my life. Its been 9 years since grandpa died and your prayers have finally been answered to be with him again. I will miss you both. Give grandpa a big hug and kiss for me and I will see you both again soon xoxo
Mickie Stur left a message on January 31, 2018:
My heart is heavy, but am so happy to have had you in my life, Aunt Harriet. You were my Godmother and a loving, caring Aunt that will always remain forever be in my heart. Fun memories come to mindbaskets of ironing that awaited me when I came to stay and visitLOL!! I smile each time I recall your love you shared with so many. Your hugs and kisses were a warm and inviting treasure to anyone who came in contact with you. I will miss you, but know that now you are where you want to be. Uncle Mitch, your loving husband, greeted you with open arms and you are probably dancing the polka with him. Please give my Mom a big hug and kiss from me. Love you!
Joy Krown (Czajkowski) left a message on January 30, 2018:
I was truly saddened to hear about Aunt Harriet's passing yesterday. I'll remember her with a smile on her face and always being one of the first aunts to hug and kiss. She always welcomed us nieces with open arms. May she now rest in peace back with Uncle Mitch as heaven has a new angel.
Geisen Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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