Oralie F. Baran

Oralie Francis Baran of Whiting, Indiana was called to her eternal rest on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The daughter of two loving parents, Hector and Carmela Herbert, also of Whiting, she was born on October 2, 1926. A child of the Great Depression and World War II, she went on to live a long and happy life as an artist, teacher, cherished family member and friend.Oralie is preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Baran. The two were married on November 20, 1948 after meeting and falling in love four years earlier as high school sweethearts. Together, Oralie and Andy had two children, four grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. One of three sisters, Oralie is also remembered by her nine nieces and nephews, seventeen great nieces and nephews, and seventeen great-great nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends and acquaintances. She was a graduate of “the best class there ever was ”, 1944 from George Rogers Clark High School. While in school, she was active in Theatre, Speech and Debate, winning State in 1943 for Extemporaneous Speaking. She went on to be in many plays including “Mrs. Miniver” where she met the love of her life, Andy. She worked on every class reunion for the class of ’44.Following high school, Oralie went to the Art Institute of Chicago, where she would eventually win a scholarship. Upon graduation, she went to work in the Interior Display department at Marshall Fields on State Street in Chicago. While there, she worked to create a part of Chicago history by helping to design and produce the store’s annual Christmas traditions of State Street windows and the Walnut Room’s annual Christmas tree.Oralie was a member of the Whiting Jr. Women’s club and worked with the Jaycee’s in the development of Wolf Lake Park. A life-long Democrat, she frequently recalled with fondness, her work with the Party in the election of President John F. Kennedy. Oralie’s love of art carried through to adulthood. A member of the Art Institute Alumni Association and Charter member of National Museum of women in Arts in Washington D.C., she shared her love of art through art shows, classes, and helping her grandchildren and great grandchildren learn to draw. Oralie was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church and carried great love for her church even after her health limited her participation. She was a substitute teacher in the Hammond school system from the 1960’s until her retirement.A close family funeral service was held and Oralie’s life celebrated on June 25, 2016. She is buried in Elmwood Cemetery.