Barbara A. Samuelson

Dec. 30, 1938 - Sept. 16, 2009
LAPORTE - Mrs. Barbara Ann Ciecka Samuelson, 70, of LaPorte, died at 5:40 P.M. on September 16, 2009 at LaPorte Hospital. Mrs. Samuelson was born December 30, 1938 in LaPorte to Thomas and Annette (Szynal) Ciecka. On July 26, 1958 in LaPorte she married Gene Samuelson, who survives. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was employed at Al's East for 13 years and Durkee's Seasoning Products for 7 years. She also owned and operated Hilltop Tavern for 20 years. She was a graduate of LaPorte High School, class of 1956 and Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in 1958. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church Funeral Choir, LaPorte Falcon's Club and China painting class. She enjoyed traveling to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the fall and Sanibel, FL in spring with her son's and families. She enjoyed her grandchildren and doing things with them. She also enjoyed working in the garden and yard. She leaves behind her husband, Gene of LaPorte; two sons, Gregory (Rebecca) of LaPorte and Douglas (Victoria) of Rolling Prairie; six grandchildren, Joshua, Jenifer, Jonathon, Andrew, Emily and Tommy; a brother, Tom (Judy) Ciecka of Covington, IN and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded by parents. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, September 21, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating. A Rosary Service will be held Sunday, at 4:00 P.M. Visitation will be held Sunday, 2-7:00 P.M. & Monday 8:30-9:30 A.M. at Essling Funeral Home. Burial will be at Pine Lake Cemetery, Monday, following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Levine's Cancer Fund, 1500 W. Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350, LaPorte Hospital V.N.A. Hospice, PO Box 250, LaPorte, IN 46352 or to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Building Fund, 130 Bach Street, LaPorte, IN 46350. Arrangements are being handled by Essling Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign their condolences at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.