Betty J. Kulchar
(nee Cannon), 76, of Hammond, IN, passed away peacefully after a courageous
battle with cancer, on Thursday, November 16, 2017. She was surrounded by
her family, in a house filled with love. She touched many lives and was
loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting her.
Betty was born in
DeLong, IN, on February 6, 1941, the first child to the late Charles and
Dorothy Cannon. She was the oldest of four children.
During high school,
she spent her summers working at Culver Military Academy in the laundry
department. Upon graduation from Aubbeenaubbee H.S. in Leiters Ford, IN, in
1959, she moved to South Bend, IN, where she worked at Pittsburgh Plate
Glass and in the banking industry. She met Arlander J. Kulchar Jr. in South
Bend, whom she married there in 1963. After leaving South Bend, they lived
in Detroit, MI, Michigan City, IN, and moved to Hammond, IN, in 1971. Betty
was part of the Porter’s Apparel family, and had worked there between 1974
and 2017 in several different roles, covering everything from laundry and
office work, to embroidery and sewing. For a short time, she worked at Steel
City Trophy in Merrillville, IN as an embroiderer, and was also a postal
carrier for a time in Calumet City, IL. She was always busy, whether that be
with crafts, sewing, working on her house and garden, reading, or
treasure-hunting, but would drop everything to go on little adventures with
her friends and kids. She enjoyed being a member of the Northside
Bowlerettes for over 25 years, bowling on “The Cat’s Meow” team, and served
as league president for the 2012-2013 season.
Betty is survived
by her children, son, James A. Kulchar (Mary Caputo) of Carlsbad, CA;
daughter and son-in-law, Julianne M. and Larz Putchaven of Chesterton, IN.
Granddaughter, Jade Paris Naus of Schererville, IN, who was the joy of her
life. Step-grandchildren Levi (Camie) Putchaven, of Kouts, IN, and Gavin and
Miles Putchaven of Chesterton, IN. Sister and best friend, Laraine
(Marshall) Fry of Rochester, IN; Sister Janet (Doug) Harrover of
Jacksonville, FL, and brother Charles (Nancy) Cannon of Leiters Ford, IN.
Many very special best friends, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death
by her parents, Charles and Dorothy Cannon, and husband, Arlander J. Kulchar
Jr.
Betty’s main
purpose in life was being an amazing mom, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Her children, grandchildren, family, and friends will forever cherish their
memories of her. Our gratitude is sent to the wonderful staff at Dunes
Hospice, who cared for and guided her during her final journey here on
earth.
A mass will be held
at St. Casimir In Hammond, IN, in January, to be followed by a memorial
lunch at her home; family and friends will be contacted once date and time
are confirmed.