Mary Remes

Mary Remes “Nana” “Grams”, age 97, of Crown Point and Gary, IN, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2009 at St. Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point, IN. She was born on March 2, 1911 in Gary, IN to Johan and Veronica Rakos Irak, she was the eldest of five children in a close-knit Croation/Bohemian family. In 1934, she wed Frank Franjo Remes at St. Hedwig Church in Gary, IN in a ceremony attended by seven bridesmaids and six groomsmen; a stunning start to a 39 year long marriage. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her parents, her brother, Joseph Irak, and her two best friends, her sisters, Ann Mazlack and Albina Wansac. Mary is survived by her brother, John Evelyn Irak of Lakes of the Four Seasons, son, Frank Helen Remes of Crown Point, IN, daughter, Veronica Philip Jensen of Chesterton, IN, grandchildren, Frank Candice Remes of Texas, Sarah Sergio Carillo of Texas, Dylan Alison Jensen of Indianapolis, IN, great-grandchildren, Sergio Carillo of Texas and Milena Jensen of Indianapolis, IN and many nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by her numerous friends at the Crown Point Senior Citizen's Center. Funeral prayers will be said on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:15 AM at Geisen Funearal-Cremation & Reception Centre, NOTE: NEW LOCATION at 606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church, 321 E. Joliet St., Crown Point, IN at 10:00 AM with Fr. Pat Kalich officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at Geisen Funeral-Cremation & Reception Centre, Crown Point from 3:00 to 8:00 PM with a Daughters of Isabella service at 4:00 PM As a Glen Park resident, Mary was active in her community as a Girl Scout leader and executive District Chairman for the local Scout Council. She served on the Lew Wallace School library committee for many years. While a parishioner of St. Mark Church, she joined the Daughters of Isabella, remaining a member up to her passing. To her neighbors and friends, Mary was known as an avid and voracious reader, excellent home sewer, maker of outstanding apple strudel, bunco club ace and dedicated employee of Montgomery Ward in the telephone sales department. Her acerbic wit and incisive observations will long be remembered. Perhaps most of all will be recalled her oft-repeated favorite phrase, “It's great life if you don't weaken.” And, she never did. After retirement, Mary enjoyed travel to Spain, Morocco, Croatia and numerous places in the United States including Hawaii, Florida, New Orleans, and California. To share a memory please visit the guestbook section on the obituary page at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com For information call 219-663-2500.