Lorraine Sylvia Konway, 96 of Valparaiso, Indiana, formerly of Hammond, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026. She was born on January 9, 1930 in Chicago Heights, Illinois to the late Joseph John and Anna (Brough) Cordes. She graduated from Bloom Township High School in 1948. After high school, Lorraine started working as a secretary. Her first job was in Harvey, Illinois for the Buda (Trucking) Company, where she worked in the Advertising Department and even did some modeling for the company.
One of Lorraine’s greatest loves was to go out dancing with friends. On one of these outings at the Midway Ballroom in Cedar Lake, Indiana, she met Louis (Louie) Kovach who she later married. Lorraine and Louie had 5 children. Unfortunately, their oldest son, Barry, lost his life at the age of 6 from a brain tumor. This was a very difficult time in their lives. Lorraine and Louie ended up divorcing several years later.
Lorraine continued to work as a secretary throughout her life. She spent many years working at Mercantile National Bank in Hammond, Indiana. She spent the majority of her career there working in the Trust Department. She ultimately retired from Mercantile National Bank in 1995.
Lorraine also loved to sew. She made clothes for her children when they were young. She participated in the PTA Fashion Shows where she and her kids proudly modeled her handmade clothes. After her retirement, she channeled her skills and generous heart into volunteering at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, Indiana. In this volunteer capacity, she provided her sewing skills to make items like Christmas stockings, tree skirts, ornaments, pillowcases, and more which were then sold in the Hospital’s gift shop. She absolutely loved one of the Christmas stockings that she made of a Partridge in a Pear Tree. She loved it so much that she purchased it from the hospital’s gift shop. She then entered it in the Porter County Fair. She was so excited and proud when she won 1st place with this favorite prized possession!
In her later years, Lorraine still loved to dance and on another dance outing, she met Walter (Wally) Konway. Lorraine and Wally married soon after. They shared a love to dance and would go out dancing every week. They also loved to travel. In their years together, they went on several vacations, including many cruises. Unfortunately, Wally lost his battle with Mesothelioma.
During the last few decades of her life, Lorraine faced many health challenges. She had struggled for years with Trigeminal Neuralgia where she had 3 surgeries to help control and lessen the pain. She had Macular Degeneration in both eyes, which ultimately led to the loss of her vision. She was also hard of hearing and had dementia. In the end, it was cancer that took her from us.
Lorraine was a mother of five, grandmother of nine, great-grandmother of three and great-great-grandmother of two. She absolutely loved children. Her face would light up when she watched her great grandchildren playing. She was known for her fairness, kindness, caring nature, and generosity. She was loved by so many family and friends throughout her 96 years. She will be missed by all that loved her. She made life better and brighter for those around her. Even though our paths have gone separate ways, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who loved her.
Lorraine is survived by her children, Marica (John) Early, Diane (Gary) Hazell, Brian B. Kovach, and Monica (Kenneth) Korzenecki; grandchildren, Thomas (Robert) Wilson, Shanna (Kyle) Schroeder, Briánna (Jon) Eder, Ryan Early, Brian L. Kovach, Racine Kovach, Kayla (Evan Gentile) Korzenecki, Ethan Kovach, and Brandon Kovach; great grandchildren, Calvin, Damian, and Paisley Kovach; great-great grandchildren, Faye and Evelyn Kovach. Lorriane was preceded in death by her beloved son, Barry Kovach; parents, Joseph John and Anna (Brough) Cordes; husbands, Louis Kovach and Walter Konway; brother, Joseph Cordes, Jr.; daughters-in-law, Kimberly Kovach and Jaelynn Carter.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, Indiana with a Funeral Service beginning at 3:00 PM. Following the service, a cremation will take place with a private burial of the ashes at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
GUESTBOOK
I was blessed to know Lorraine Konway for the past 48 years, as she was the mother of my best friend, Monica. My daughter Dakota and I are so grateful to have two beautiful handmade Christmas stockings lovingly made by Lorraine. We proudly display them every Christmas. I remember her beautiful smile and kind sparkling eyes. She always made me feel welcome and part of the family. She had a habit of petting my hair when she talked to me. I find myself doing that with my own daughter now. I think I will forever think of her every time I do this. -Nancy Kirk
Sometimes less is more. It applies to how I will remember my beloved mother. ALLWAYS LOVED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN. I miss you mom. -Diane Susan Hazell
