Patricia Katherine Kalka

1932 - 2024

Patricia Katherine Kalka

Sep 18, 1932 - Sep 18, 2024

MUNSTER, IN - Patricia Katherine Kalka passed away on September 18, 2024, her 92nd birthday, in Munster, IN.

Patricia was born on September 18, 1932, in Boston, MA, the daughter of Dorothy and Donald Dunn. She grew up with four sisters, and they moved to Burlington, Vermont, when she was 13 years old. She spent her summers working at Clarey's Bayside, a resort owned by her grandfather George Clarey, on the shores of Lake Champlain in Colchester, VT. Working at the resort sparked her love of music and dancing, and she had the great pleasure of listening to the traveling bands and performers who sang and danced at the Pavilion, including the Glen Miller Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey Band, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, and Sally Rand, to name a few. It was here that she became an extraordinary dancer and roller-skater. However, as much fun as she had at the resort, she had a yearning to explore what else life had to offer her.

Soon after graduating from Burlington High School, Patricia joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, from 1951-1954. It was here as a Teletype Operator that she met her husband, Robert Kalka. After completing their service, they moved back to Robert's hometown neighborhood in South Chicago, where they raised six children.

Patricia was an avid cook, gardener, and had a creative gene; she enjoyed doing arts & crafts when her kids were young and loved decorating her home, especially during the holidays. She was active at Immaculate Conception School and Church, where she was a Girl Scout Leader and in the mother's club. She was always there to lend a hand and helped raise funds for many causes. She was also active in politics in the 7th ward in South Chicago, volunteering as a precinct captain and working diligently to knock on doors and get the vote out during an election season, especially for the local alderman.

Patricia and Robert always dreamed of retiring to Fort Myers, FL. They spent their winters relaxing and enjoying the warm weather, beach, pool, and fresh seafood. They loved picking grapefruit, oranges, and lemons off trees, and there was a field nearby their house where they could pick fresh strawberries and tomatoes. They stayed active by riding their bikes often and going on walks around their neighborhood. They also enjoyed going to the dog and horse tracks, and participating in social activities in the community, while making many new friends along the way.

Eventually they sold their home in Fort Myers and returned to the Midwest, settling in Munster, Indiana. They loved their new home and made many memories and friends there throughout the last 23 years. Patricia spent her later years occupying her time playing board and card games, with her favorite game being Dominoes. She enjoyed and excelled at other games as well, such as Sequence, Quirkle, and Phase 10, and she most recently added Checkers to her repertoire. She continued to keep up with world events and politics, and her favorite TV show recently was Heartland – she looked forward to it every day.

Patricia will be missed dearly by her family, and they extend much appreciation to her wonderful caregivers, some of whom became like family.

Patricia is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Robert Kalka; her son, Tim Kalka; and three of her sisters, Ruth Morgan, Jean Fitzgerald, and Joan Fitzgerald. She is survived by her sister Gail Shappy of Milton, VT; her best girlfriend of 56 years, Evelyn Zielinski of Dwight, Illinois; daughter Gail Magsaysay of St. John, Indiana; son Mike (Karen) Kalka of Tallahassee, Florida; daughter Cindy Kalka of Seattle, Washington; son Kevin (Tina) Kalka of Lake Forest, California; and daughter Stephanie Kalka of Chicago, IL; nine grandchildren: Jackie (Steve), Jereme (AJ), Jill (Scott), Kasia (Jim), Kasey (Lauren), Martha, Duncan (Laura), Asha, and Jake; six great-grandchildren: Channing, Sanibelle, Penelope, Juniper, Madison, and Carter; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Visitation and Funeral Services, Monday, September 23, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. DIRECTLY at St. Thomas More Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Hammond, IN. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made in Patricia's name to Immaculate Conception Church or School (2944 E, 88th St. Chicago, IL. 60617) Arrangements entrusted to Elmwood Funeral Chapel, St. John. For more information 219-365-3474 or www.elmwoodchapel.com

Please email proof and charges to elmwoodchapel@hotmail.com.