Tina Marie Kozlowski, 58, of Indian Trail, North Carolina, formerly of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
She was born on July 20, 1966, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Ronald and Sharon (Johnson) Kozlowski. Tina graduated from Valparaiso High School and earned her B.S. in Marketing from Southern Illinois University. She devoted her professional life to child protective services, serving children and families across Indiana and North Carolina with compassion and dedication.
Tina is survived by her siblings, Kevin (Renee) Kozlowski of Fort Mill, SC, and Beth Young of Indian Trail, NC, as well as her nieces and nephews whom she cherished as her own: Michael (Addison) Kozlowski, Katelyn (Cam) Smith, Jacob (Madison) Moore, John Young Jr., and Madeline Young. She also adored her great-grand nieces and nephews: Piper Smith, Theodore Smith, Kruz Kozlowski, Koby Kozlowski, and Lynnox Kozlowski. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 21st, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Moeller Funeral Home in Valparaiso, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Deacon James Caristi. Cremation will follow.
Tina dedicated her life to protecting vulnerable children and helping families reunite. In tribute to her unwavering compassion and service, memorial donations may be made to National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), an organization that champions the same compassion and commitment she so deeply believed in.
Tina will be remembered for the way she loved with her whole heart. She had a personality that filled the room, a laugh that made you feel like everything was going to be okay, and an undeniable loyalty to her family. She was the glue that held people together. She was always checking in, always showing up, and always making sure everyone felt seen and loved. Above all, she was devoted to keeping her family close. She believed in connection, in loving hard, and in being there for the people who mattered most. That’s the legacy she leaves behind, and it’s a beautiful one.
Tina loved sports. She was a die-hard fan of Duke basketball, the Chicago Bears, and the Indiana Fever, not just because it was popular. She championed women’s sports long before it became trendy to do so. But Tina didn’t just watch from the sidelines. She was an athlete herself. Whether it was golf or basketball, she played with energy, heart, and maybe a little healthy competition.
The beach was her happy place. Florida, the Gulf Coast, anywhere the waves met the shore brought her peace, and she came alive on the water. She loved casting a line from a boat, watching for sea turtles, and simply soaking up the calm. She also found joy in the little things: sudoku puzzles, a good game of Clue, packs of Lifesaver gummies, and spontaneous trips with her circle of girlfriends, who were more like sisters.
Tina had a style of her own. She owned countless pairs of glasses and shoes because everything had to match her outfit. If there was a theme party or a holiday, you could count on her to show up in the most outrageous hat. She brought a playful spirit to everyday moments and turned the ordinary into something memorable for everyone around her.
At the end of a long day, she found comfort at the kitchen table eating dinner with her dog, Duke Oliver, and a cold Diet Coke in hand. That was Tina. She was rooted in love, full of life, and never far from the people and things she treasured most. She will be deeply missed.
GUESTBOOK
Tina was a wonderful coworker. She is deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones. -Rhonda S McClanahan
I am so sorry for your devastating loss. She was a rock and safe place for so many. She will be missed; and remembered for her whole heart that she shared with all of you. Rest in peace Tina Marie. -Norma Jewell-Jolly
My condolences to the family. Tina summed up perfectful she lived life the way it was meant to be. A dedicated person who love her family, friends and helping others. Tina you are deeply missed as you are gone too soon. The world is a better place due to you having been here. Rest easy my friend with your diet coke on the beach in eternity. -Arlene
I am so sorry for your loss. Tina was a beautiful person with a huge heart. She made such a difference with me as teammates on the SIU golf team. Her blue eyes, her smile and her laugh lit up a room. I will miss her terribly. My heart goes out to her family and friends. Love, -Pat Putman
I loved her smile, sometimes devilish, but fun! She was a special member of the SIU women's golf team with a competitive attitude, and always enjoying herself. I am sad to learn of Tina's passing, and I am happy to have known her. -Sonya Stalberger, Former SIU Women's Golf Coach
