Elaine (Banina) Rizzardo

Elaine was born on October 27, 1931 in East Chicago, IN and resided with her husband of 65 years Joseph in Schererville, IN. She is preceded in death by her mother Catherine "Katie" (Reffkin) Banina, her father Joe Banina and brother Jerry Banina. Elaine is survived by her loving children: Nancy (Spike) Mezo of Crown Point, IN; John (Jackie) of Crown Point, IN, Robin (Edwin) Valle of Merrillville; Amy (Mike) Ambrozich of Powell, OH and Missi (Artie) Rogers of Crown Point, IN. Grandchildren: Rick Mezo, Jim (Julia) Mezo, Christopher Matson, Tim Matson, Stephanie Matson, Kaytee Ambrozich, Nick Ambrozich, Joey Ambrozich, Katelynn Rogers, AJ Rogers. Great Grandchildren: Blake Mezo, Kaitlyn Mezo, Nora Mezo & Violet Mezo. Her brother Bill (Joan) Banina. The family would like to express their gratitude to Elaine's Hospice Nurse Kayne Bolint and her aid Kayla.

Elaine was a graduate of Washington High School and was married at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in East Chicago, IN to Joseph Rizzardo on March 15, 1952. Elaine was a longtime member of Croatian Lodge #170 & Cesare Battisti Lodge #27 Women's Group. She was employed at Illinois Bell. She devoted countless hours as a room mom, and on field trips when her children were little, as well as with the Indiana Harbor Junior Tammies with whom her children also performed. Elaine also enjoyed cooking, baking for her church and for various charities. She loved to needle point, enjoyed puzzles and was an avid sports fan, especially rooting for IU basketball.   Elaine's dedication to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was unmatched.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory 14 Kennedy Ave Schererville, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 10:00 AM DIRECTLY at St. Andrew the Apostle Church 801 W. 73 ^rd Ave Merrillville, IN with Fr. Brian D. Chadwick officiating. Elaine will lie in repose at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until time of mass and will be laid to rest at St. John St. Joseph Cemetery in Hammond.  In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana, the Share Foundation or Hospice of the Calumet Area.