Lorraine A. Heavilin, 97, of Valparaiso passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 4, 2025. She was born June 22, 1928, to Herbert & Marie (Ambre) Ehrsam and graduated from Horace Mann High School. Lorraine made her career as a Postal Clerk at the Gary Post Office for 16 years, retiring in 1981. She was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church and served on their Altar & Rosary Society.
On January 18, 1973 she married Ralph Heavilin who survives along with her daughters: Lori (Tony) Lachowicz & Kay (Roger) Gannon, sons: Daniel (Kathy) Burchuk, Edward (Denise) Burchuk & James Burchuk, step-children: Richard (Dianna) Heavilin, William Lore) Heavilin, Cheryl Lavergne, Garry Heavilin, Susan (Frank) Powers, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Janet Wuletich, sons, George & John Burchuk, step-daughter, Jerri Wachter, sister, Mary Fitzpatrick, brothers: Gerald, Robert, Herbert & Roy Ehrsam.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 3 – 7 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with Rosary service beginning at 6:30 pm. The funeral mass will be held Thursday 10:00 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church with burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
GUESTBOOK
Ed & Denise, We didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your mom, but we’re sure she was a special person because she raised an amazing son: you. Wishing you peace and comfort during this unimaginable time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love and God Bless, -Dean & Kathe (Ungurait) Farrand
Ralph, and Lorraine's family, Lorraine always made me feel welcome when I came to their home for a visit. She made a delicious breakfast with homemade tomato juice and was a good baker. I still have a washcloth that she made for me and my crocheted slippers! Lorraine loved to read, and we swapped books. We enjoyed coffee at the kitchen table early in the morning with the company of their cat(s). Best of all, I loved receiving her handwritten notes and always enjoyed her sense of humor. It has been my honor to share St. Jude Hospital with Lorraine and Ralph, and to witness their love for the children and families we serve. Thinking of you, and praying for you during this tremendous loss, -Leslie Davidson
