Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Lopez  (née Tilka)

Kathy Lopez, 81 of Griffith, Indiana passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Mary Ellen and Michael Tilka. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Gus, her daughters Maureen, Julieanne, and Michelle Lopez, Gloria (Wayne) DeGraaf, and grandchildren Riley, Blake and Brielle DeGraaf. Kathy is also survived by her siblings Michael Tilka (Susan Dobie), Susan Tilka (Michael Hennessy), Patrick (Kim) Tilka, Dan (Jackie) Tilka, Kevin Tilka (Gina Heatherington), Terrence Tilka, Jane Tilka (Bill Dolin), Nancy Tilka (Frederic Trincot), Carole (Garry) Loufek, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Kathy grew up in Hammond and Munster, Indiana where she attended St. Joseph and St. Thomas More grade schools. Her high school years were spent at St. Mary’s Academy in Nauvoo, Illinois. Kathy pursued nursing at Purdue Calumet and Ivy Tech. She worked for many years in various hospitals and as a dedicated home health provider. She also provided spiritual support and communion as an Extraordinary Minister for the Catholic Diocese of Gary. Kathy and Gus met at a CYO baseball game. They raised their four daughters in Hammond where they were active members of St. John Bosco. Their love of and devotion to family, sports, country, and especially their Catholic faith instilled that same passion in their children and grandchildren. Kathy’s family and friends will always remember her strength, and her humble, nurturing spirit.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial offered at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church 525 N. Broad St. in Griffith, IN. Interment will be at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Doctors Without Borders, Shriners Hospitals or a charity of your choice are appreciated.