Lois Y. Gherardi

Lois Y. Gherardi, 83, of Mishawaka, Indiana passed peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, November 25, 2023. She was born in Evergreen Park, IL on July 10, 1940, to the late Primo and Minerva “Minnie” (Olenti) Gherardi.

Surviving are her two children, John Jay (Catherine) McVay and Heath (Michelle) McVay, both of LaPorte, seven grandchildren, siblings, Leonard (Rose Ellen) Gherardi of Mishawaka and Loretta Vannoni of Carmel, and four nieces and one nephew.

Lois was an entrepreneur at heart, after graduating from LaPorte High School, she attended College of Commerce and received her Associates in bookkeeping. After college, Lois bought a small shop, where she owned and operated Gherardi Frame and Design for over 45 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling and sailing along the coast of Lake Michigan and proudly serving as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Lois was known for her authentic Italian meals around the holidays and sharing sweet memories with her children and grandchildren.

A time to visit with family is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 3-5 pm at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home, Mishawaka. A funeral service will follow at 5pm, and cremation will take place with burial to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Lois’s life, memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Dementia Association.

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