Gwendolyn Janiga, 86 of Westville, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2023. She was born December 12, 1936, in Hammond to the late John and Gwendolyn (Raines) Muller. Gwen attended Hammond High School, Hanover College, and Purdue University, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s in education. She made her career as a middle school math and science teacher with the School City of Hammond for 31 years. Gwen was a member of Restoration Church of Valparaiso and Southside Christian Church of Sarasota, FL. Gwen and her siblings, Dianne and Chuck, highly appreciated the teachings of Esther Waterberry and Virginia Valkman. This enabled them to have the lifelong skill of singing, which they enjoyed into their 70’s and 80’s. Because of these two special teachers, Gwen sang with The Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus at Carnegie Hall and participated in many chorus programs while at Horseshoe Cove Resort in Florida
On August 24, 1956, Gwen married Joseph Janiga, who preceded her in death in 2008. She is survived by their children: John (Jessie) Janiga of Valparaiso and Wendy (Mark) Kulczyk of Chesterton; grandchildren: Nathan (Senia) Janiga, Christi (Chris) Skaggs, Travis Hamilton, Joseph Janiga, Katelyn Edward, Kelley (Josh) Hall, Anthony (Miranda) Janiga, Lindsey Janiga, Nick (Gabby) Janiga, and Alyson (Thomas) Phillips; great-grandchildren: Kaitlin, Carter, Evelyn, and Baby Hall on the way; and sister, Dianne Warmus. She was preceded in death by her son, Joseph “Tim” Janiga; and brother, Charles Muller.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, with a funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Restoration Church.
GUESTBOOK
It is with mixed emotions I offer my condolences to the family. Gwen was a special lady with many talents. She deserves to be pain free and reunited with her family and friends in heaven. She is already missed. -Bonnie Artley
To all the Janiga Family, Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Gwen, and Joe, were such an important part of our lives and we find it hard to fathom that we now have lost both of them. Our hearts are broken. We will always treasure the memories of our times together. Gwen was such a loving, caring and generous soul and her presence in our lives will be greatly missed. We love you all and hope that the great memories you have of Gwen will help to overcome the grief and sorrow you are feeling right now. Take care and bless you all. Love, -Mike and Brenda Trant
We are so sorry for your loss. We know we will see her again in heaven. -Bob and Grace Beezie
We always enjoyed our visits with Gwen. She was a big encouragement to us. Her moving on to a better place leaves us sad, but happy for her. She is already missed. Praying for peace and comfort for the family. -Tim and Tammy Wanless
I am so sorry for your loss. I taught with Gwen at Scott Middle School. She was a wonderful teacher and mentor to young teachers. She touched the lives of her students and made a difference in the education they received. May your wonderful memories help you at this difficult time. -Beth Hobbs
My thoughts and prayers go out to Wendy and her brother on the loss of their Mom. I will always remember her as I had her as a teacher and home room. -Lisa Fellows-Fields
Gwen was a childhood friend of my mother's. I've heard so many wonderful stories of them playing together as children living in Hammond. I got to know Gwen later after my mother was at a nursing facility. Gwen was there with her church group and the two reunited! She was a beautiful lady who loved the Lord and her family very deeply. My mother and I are rejoicing that she is no longer suffering and now in the presence of her Savior! Praying for comfort during your great time of loss. -Audrey Mihich
A warm and lovely soul was Gwen. I have loved her since we met in high school. Her wisdom and ability to love unconditionally have been an important part of my life. I will cherish her forever. -Barbara (Ennis) Mclean
