Savina Kralis, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and loyal friend, died on Oct. 27, 2024, surrounded by family. She was 94 years old.
Savina was born in Gary, to Marco and Velia Raccaro Iussig on March 13, 1930.
A graduate of Lew Wallace High School, Savina attended St. Mary Mercy School of Nursing to become a registered nurse. After marriage to Jerome “Jerry” Kralis on June 16, 1951, the young couple relocated to Kosciusko County to be near the family business, Kralis Brothers Poultry County. This is where Savina would begin her life as wife and mother to children that soon followed.
Savina’s nursing skills were practiced daily as she nurtured her family of twelve children, born within eighteen years. She embraced the role of mother, creating a home filled with controlled chaos, laughter and love. As she became an experienced household manager and strong motivator, she delegated out of necessity, teaching her children the joy of being productive and the responsibility of family and caring for each other.
Fun and games were a big part of Savina’s life. She enjoyed puzzles, card playing and board games with her children and grandchildren. Her personality and beautiful smile made it possible for her to become friends with so many. Savina enjoyed reading, visiting the library and a little retail therapy. And everyone knew not to call during Jeopardy.
As co-pilot to Jerry at the wheel, Savina provided lifetime memories of travel for her children, from trips to Yellowstone Park and Niagra Falls in the travel trailer to numerous Disney vacations in the motorhome. A highlight trip for Savina and Jerry was a summer spent touring Europe, visiting her parents’ homeland of Udine, Italy, and Jerry’s cousins in Strefi, Greece. A frequent and favorite destination was tailgating at Purdue with the motorhome, where Savina provided food and beverages (and a clean bathroom) for her student-children and their friends. As her children married, had children, and/or moved away, Savina gained beloved sons- and daughters-in-law, grandchildren and new favorite travel spots across the United States and Canada. She was always glad to return to her home in Warsaw, where several of her children and their families live, and continue to make an impact on the community she loved.
With her many children and their interests, Savina participated in an array of school and community support roles at Sacred Heart School, Warsaw Community Schools, and Purdue University. She served on the City of Warsaw Park Board and the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission and volunteered at Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice.
For over 70 years, Savina was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and served as a Eucharistic Minister and RCIA sponsor. She enjoyed her Christ Renews His Parish retreat and the many enduring friendships that resulted. Instrumental in the establishment of a new home for Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Savina cherished the impact on the community. Coming from an immigrant family, she understood the importance of a spiritual church family. Savina lived a life rich in faith, family, and service. Her faith was evident to the end.
Savina is survived by her children: Suzanne (Steven) Light, of Warsaw; Cynthia Georgas, of Dallas, Texas; Mark (Anna) Kralis, of Warsaw; Gregory (Cindy) Kralis, of Warsaw; Therese (Allen) Kralis-Koch, of South Bend; Hilary (Stephen) Bradford, of Dove Canyon, Calif.; Christopher Kralis, of Tampa, Fla.; Diane (Victor) Perr, of Greenwood; Mary (Ted) Hoppe, of Boston, Mass.; Joseph (Kelly) Kralis, of Oldsmar, Fla.; Leslie (Stephen) LaBarge, of Indianapolis; and Andrea (Fabrice) Toscano, of West Simsbury, Conn. Also surviving are 30 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, who she cherished.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome Kralis, who passed away in 2004; parents, Marco and Velia Iussig; brother, Rick Iussig; son-in-law, Nick Georgas; and sister-in-law, Christine Kralis Dziubla.
A Life Celebration visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. and a Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw. A second visitation will take place on Nov. 2 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by a Mass celebrating Savina's life at 11 a.m. with Father Jonathan Norton officiating. Burial will occur on Monday, Nov. 4 at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Sacred Heart Building Fund, https://www.osvhub.com/sacredheart-warsaw/giving/funds/capital-campaign; Savina Kralis Nursing Scholarship through the Kosciusko Community Foundation, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580 or online at https://www.kcfoundation.org/donors/donate-now/; Sacred Heart Scholarship Fund through the Kosciusko Community Foundation, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580 or online at https://www.kcfoundation.org/donors/donate-now/; or Stillwater Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road Fort Wayne, IN 46814-4202.
To leave a condolence, please visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com