Valerie Holicky Obituary

ORLAND - Valerie (Val) Holicky of Orland, Indiana, passed away on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. She was 86 years old and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Val was born on Nov. 9, 1938, in Hammond, Indiana, daughter of the late Louis and Helen (Danko) Takacs. As a young woman, she lived and worked in the Calumet Region including at Mobil Oil and at professional offices.

She soon met the love of her life, Bernie, and they were married in August 1959, on a sweltering hot Saturday. They built a house in Highland, Indiana, and welcomed three children into their family. Val served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie Leader and church volunteer.

They retired and moved to Orland, Indiana, in 1997, and they loved being part of the Wall Lake community. Val was active with her neighbors, found many dear friends and enjoyed spending time with them. An avid reader, she volunteered and later worked at the Joyce Public Library in downtown Orland. She loved playing cards with friends and family whenever she could.

Val had a natural smile, wit, and a welcoming spirit and would often joke with old friends and new acquaintances alike. Val had a knack for baking and every year would share Christmas cookies to celebrate the season. Her green thumb was famous! Val just loved to be in her gardens tending to her vegetables, foliage and especially her flowers. She would gladly spend time with anyone who was willing to learn and share in the experience of her beautiful flora.

Valerie was preceded into eternal life by her husband, Bernard B. Holicky, originally from Whiting, Indiana. She was preceded in death by four siblings.

She was the dear mother of Bernard P. (Mary Edda) Holicky, Julianne (Simon) Robinson and Thomas L. (Sarah) Holicky; loving grandmother of Abigail (William Tertell) Holicky, Olivia Holicky, Nathaniel Holicky, Luke Holicky, Jessica (Nathaniel) Maldonado, Anthony (Allison) Robinson and Laszlo Holicky.

She is survived by her sister, Marie (Stanley) Skrentny; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives, who lovingly called her "Aunt Vulli."

A Celebration of Life to honor Valerie is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, when the flowers are in bloom. It will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, at 700 W. Maumee St., in Angola, Indiana.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m., with services at 11 a.m.

Reception immediately to follow.

Arrangements by Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made in Valerie's name to Elijah Haven Crisis Intervention Center, 2575 N. S.R. 9, LaGrange, IN 46761, www.elijahhaven.org.

Please donate books and treasure to Joyce Public Library, P.O. Box 24, Orland, IN 46776