Eleanor Marie Puszczewicz, 94, of Valparaiso, passed away, Monday January 6, 2025. She was born in Chicago, IL. on October 3, 1930 to the late Stephan and Frances (Barth) Windisch. She was raised in the South Shore area of Chicago, attending South Shore High School, and started working at a young age in her father’s neighborhood bakery, where she met her future husband, Leonard. She had a very strong work ethic and enjoyed various jobs over the years, but she found her last position in the Valparaiso University Cafeteria to be most rewarding. She loved working around the students, many of whom called her grandma. Her infectious laugh, life-of-the party personality, and magnet for conversation allowed her to make friends no matter where she went. She enjoyed singing, dancing, traveling, playing Yahtzee with her friends and tripoly with her family. She taught us her beloved Girl Scout songs, and she never missed a sports game or award ceremony in which her grandchildren participated. She enjoyed dining out, but if you were to visit her, she always served a coffee cake because it was her favorite!
On May 15, 1948, Eleanor married Leonard Puszczewicz who preceded her in death in 1983. She is survived by her four children, Daughters, Linda (Dennis) Fillippo and Kathy (George) Bookless, and sons, David (Al Bonvini) Puszczewicz, and Michael (Dawn) Puszczewicz; grandchildren, Christian (Marcy) Fillippo, Tyler and Austin Puszczewicz, William (Susan) Bookless, and Jennifer (Jay) Stienstra; great grandchildren, Gabriel and Julian Fillippo, Alexander and Anika Kerkhoven, and Billy and Betty Bookless; and many loving extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Louise Morinec, grandson, Jonathan Fillippo, son-in-law, George Bookless, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 12:00-2:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Service beginning at 2:00 PM. Private burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Autism Awareness or Dunes Hospice. Alternatively, honor Eleanor’s memory by gathering with family and friends to share stories while enjoying a slice of coffee cake. She will smile knowing her favorite treat brought people together. Click here to watch the recorded funeral service.
GUESTBOOK
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mom. I feel lucky to have known her and live next to her for so many years. Sending my prayers and condolences. -Kimberly White Cromheecke
We would like to offer our sympathies at your loss. -Conrad Aleksinski
Celebrating the life of a good person and mourning their passing with you. Eleanor had a beautiful and loving soul, she will be missed. -Kathleen Aleksinski-Majka
I was one of Eleanor’s Yahtzee friends. We would laugh in one moment and cry the next! We always had fun and we knew we could count on each other. She was loved! -Vivian Biggs
