A devoted matriarch whose smile could light up any room, Eva Kolten, 91, died peacefully at Hooverwood Senior Living in Indianapolis, Ind., on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

Born Eva Janette Moskovitz on Nov. 21, 1931, Eva spent her formative years in Gary, Ind., where she attended Emerson High School. While in high school, she was introduced to Seymour “Cy” Kolten on a blind date and fell in love with him through his letters. The two married on March 12, 1950, and spent the next 66 years loving each other deeply. They spent most of their married life living in Munster, Ind., where they raised two precious daughters, Carol and Nancy.

Together, Cy and Eva were co-owners of Terry’s Drug Store in Munster and Matt Sales, a flea market business they ran for 30 years in Northwest Indiana until retirement. Eva also worked as a salesperson at a women’s clothing store and served as a receptionist at Phase I Day Spa, which was owned by Nancy.

While successful in her professional endeavors, Eva’s most lasting impact comes from her devotion to her family. She took great joy in hosting family and friends for holidays and special occasions, where she would delight them with her company and wonderful meals. Her brisket and matzo ball soup were particular hits, and it was nearly impossible to leave her home without filling up on sweets.

When she wasn’t working or doting on her family, Eva enjoyed traveling, going to the movies and seeing plays. She was also a longtime member of Congregation Beth Israel in Munster.

Eva spent the final seven years of her life in Indianapolis, where she could be close to Carol. A stroke in 2017 stripped Eva of her ability to be self-sufficient, but she never stopped cherishing visits from Carol and other family members – as well as the Dairy Queen blizzards and chocolate candies they’d sneak to her – throughout the remainder of her life. Her family would like to thank all those at Hooverwood who helped care for Eva during her final years.

Eva was preceded in death by her beloved Cy; parents, Eugene and Rose Moskovitz; daughter, Nancy Feldman; sister Lillian (Eddie) Green; sisters-in-law, Jean Kolten and Helen (Maury) Dornberg; and nephew, Bob Green. She is survived by her daughter, Carol (Elliott) Segal; grandsons, Matt (Jenifer) Segal, Bobby (Rachel) Segal and Josh Feldman; son-in-law, Eddie Feldman; brother, Don (Iris) Moskovitz; nephews, Mike (Wendy) Moskovitz and David (Cheryl) Dornberg; nieces, Linda (Ken) Brown and Michele (Scott) Labow; six great-grandchildren; and a number of other extended family members.

Visitation will take place at Kish Funeral Home (10000 Calumet Avenue, Munster) on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, beginning at 9:30 a.m. CT. The service will follow at 10:30 a.m. CT. Eddie Feldman will officiate. Interment will be held at Beth El Cemetery (2700 Willowdale Road, Portage).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Eva’s memory can be made to the American Stroke Association or a charity of your choice.

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