On Thursday, August 13, 2026, Vicky “Busia” Lazarek, 101, of La Porte, Indiana, quietly left this earth in her home of 75 years surrounded by her “A Team” of caregivers in the dark with only candles to light the room in the aftermath of the worst storm La Porte has ever experienced. She was born on September 18, 1924, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Joseph and Lucy (Putz) Hayman.
On September 6, 1947, Vicky married the love of her life, Stanley Lazarek. They shared 36 years of marriage before his passing on December 28, 1983.
Vicky will be lovingly remembered by her children, Henry (Carol) Lazarek of Chesterton, Indiana; Christine Tomoske of La Porte, Indiana; and Rick (Lori) Lazarek of Fort Wayne, Indiana; her grandchildren, Melissa (Missy) Noveroske, Garland (Becca Spencer) Lazarek, Stacy (Brad) Martin, Caralee (Todd) Sigler, Sarah (Jeff) Bostelman, Kaylie (Jacob) Janssens, and Emily (Blake) Chitwood; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and her beloved bestie and caregiver, Pat.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Rita, twin sons Kenneth and Keith, son-in-law Roger Tomoske, 11 brothers and sisters, all her Hayman and Lazarek in-laws, and her neighborhood friends.
Above all, Vicky cherished her family. Being a Busia was one of the greatest joys of her life, and she was the loving matriarch who brought generations of family together. She anticipated the birth of every new family baby, desiring to be able to meet those yet to be born. Busia was tremendously proud of her Polish heritage, speaking the language and writing back-and-forth with relatives in Poland. She had the chance to visit family there. Vicky treasured her Catholic Faith, with an especially fond devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. She was a member of Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church, for 79 years. During that time, she was a member of the choir for 30 years. She served as a Eucharistic Minister to the nursing homes. She also enjoyed participating in the Sacred Heart Polish Fest and was a proud Polish dancer. She sang in the parish funeral choir and worked to help serve parish funeral luncheons.
Vicky found joy in the simple things, especially flowers and gardening, and good meals at favorite restaurants. Her greatest joy, however, was the love she shared with her family and the many memories they created together, whether at home or on family vacations. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Ave., La Porte, Indiana. A parish Rosary will be recited at 6:45 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 201 Bach Street, La Porte, Indiana. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 to 10:30 AM on Friday at the funeral home prior to the Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church Choir, or to Heart to Heart Hospice.
Family and friends are invited to light a virtual candle, share a memory, or leave a message of comfort for the family by visiting esslingfuneralhome.com.
