Martha Shimala Obituary

MARTHA SHIMALA (NEE AMBROSE) WHITING, IN Martha Shimala (nee Ambrose), 85, of Whiting passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at her residence. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank J. Shimala who passed away July 13, 1996; loving mother of Celia "Cissy" (late John) Wishnew of Allen, TX, Rita (John) Gorman of Whiting, Daniel Shimala of Wisconsin and the late Linda Talabay; cherished grandmother of Steven, David, Jeffrey and Jenna Wishnew, Misty and Marty Sims, Gayle and Richard Talabay and Rachel Gorman; adoring great grandma of Quentin Gorman-Avina; dearest aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by two brothers: Albin Ambrose and Rudolph Ambrose; and a sister, Ceil Chandler. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 15, 2011, 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with the Rev. John E. Kalicky, C.PP.S., officiating. Interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond. Visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The St. John Rosary Society together with members of the parish will offer prayers at the funeral home on Friday at 4:00 p.m. Martha Shimala was born on March 4, 1925 in Whiting, IN to Matthew and Cecilia (Hicko) Ambrose. She was a lifelong resident and a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1943. Martha was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting where she was a member of the Rosary Society and had been a regular volunteer at the St. John Rectory. She was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Assoc., BR. 81, the Slovak Catholic Sokol, Wreath 81, and was a member and past president of the Knights of Columbus Pope John XXIII Council 1696 Wives Club (prayers Friday at 6:00 p.m.). Martha was a volunteer for the St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center, Hammond, Women's Auxiliary. She was an avid gardener and a talented athlete in her day. She had played basketball for the Sokol's and ran A.A.U. track. Devoted to her family, she will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Society of the Precious Blood, St. John Fathers, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

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Published by The Times from Jan. 13 to Jan. 14, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Martha Shimala

16 Entries

January 30, 2011

Aunt Martha's personality, talents as a cook and genuine love for life impressed all who knew her. We will miss seeing her at Perogi Fest parade, sitting in her chair on the curb with Twerp. Love from niece Nancy Gilbert and family

Mary Kay Ader

January 15, 2011

Dear Rita, John, Rachel and Quentin: We extend our sympathy to you and your family. Love, Mary Kay (Petrunich) Ader and family

January 14, 2011

Cissy, Marty, Rita, and Danny: I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers. The real test of our character comes when we lose our precious loved ones. The healthier you keep yourself, the more you will be able to keep your mom's values, ideas, and skills, alive. I remember how much your mom supported my mom and Corrine when they battled end of life issues.

Karen Whitezel-Kaminski
Demotte, IN

January 14, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I am very sorry for your loss.

Suzy Boyle

January 14, 2011

Cissy, Martin, & Rita: It's so sad to lose a Mom - God Bless!
Your cousin, "Kookie"

Tracy Levin

January 14, 2011

Marty, Rita, Danny and your respective families, I am sorry to read of your loss. I remember your mom all the way back when Marty and I played for your dad on the Bairstow green team in minor league. My condolences to you.

Scott & Lisa Hrabovsky and family

January 14, 2011

Rita, John, & Rachel,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Pat Enright

January 13, 2011

Dearest Cissy and Family: I am so sad for you as you experience the loss of your beloved Mom. She was a great gal! I wish I could be there with you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love,

Paul Rokosz

January 13, 2011

The world has lost a great soul. A wonderful person has left our presence. Two memories that standout to me are: she always had a smile and she was a great cook who was not content until you were stuffed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Be comforted by remembering the words she surely will hear: "well done, good and faithful servant". God bless.

Paul Rokosz family

Bruce & Jeanne Shimala

January 13, 2011

Marty, Cis, Rita, Danny and all the family, we send our sincere condolences on Aunt Martha's passing. We are so glad we had a chance to see and visit with her during Pierogi Fest in July. We'll always remember her hearty laugh and no-nonsense approach to life. She was an amazing woman. Love to all of you,
Bruce & Jeanne Shimala and family

Glenn & Laura (Gajewski) Wright

January 13, 2011

Dear Rita,
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
You mom was a very sweet lady.

The Spiritual Care Department St. Margaret Mercy Hospital

January 13, 2011

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

January 13, 2011

Cisssy & Family,
Dave & I were so saddened to hear about your Mom. I will always remember her great spirit,smiles & being so thoughtful growing up. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Dave & Reggie VanBerg & Family
FTW & Sidney

Shelly & Oscar Ramirez

January 13, 2011

To my dearest brother-in-law Marty, sister Carmel, neice & nephew Misty & Marty & pup Rummy, We never thought this day would come when we are all full of emotions and sadness. Martha was a great cook (sloppy Joe maker)best dessert maker and one of the best mother's I have known. I hope you will lean on Oscar and myself. We are here for you and will always be. We don't want to say good bye to Martha, but toodool's for now, hugs and kisses and please watch over all of us,we will need your strength Martha. I Love you my family and stay close.

Mike Irvine Family

January 13, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Brenda Smith

January 13, 2011

Marty, Carmel, Misty and Marty Jr, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother/Grandmother. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time...take good care of one another until you're all together again.
My love to each of you,
Brenda

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