Barbara (Avina) Hoyda

Barbara (Avina) Hoyda

November 19, 1936 – May 14, 2025

Barbara (Avina) Hoyda, age 88, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, in Las Vegas, NV, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 19, 1936, to Joseph and Rebecca Pantoga, Barbara dedicated her life to service—both professionally and within her community. She served as a Security Guard for St. Catherine’s Hospital until her retirement in 1995. Barbara continued her career as a Paraprofessional in the Special Education Department for the School City of Hammond, where she was admired for her tireless energy and dedication.

A long-time resident of Whiting, Indiana, Barbara was a devoted parishioner of St. Adalbert’s Parish. She selflessly volunteered many hours to support the Whiting and East Chicago food pantries, always offering a helping hand to those in need.

Barbara was the beloved mother of Deborah A. (Edward) Trevino, Ronald (Karen) Avina, Diane Avina, David (Cathy) Hoyda, and daughter-in-law Cynthia (late Richard) Hoyda. She was a proud grandmother to Stephen Avina, Nathaniel Kelly, Julia Hoyda, Julie Hoyda, Richard Hoyda, and Matthew Hoyda, and a cherished great-grandmother to Alexis Johnson, Quentin Gorman-Avina, Grace Gorman-Avina, and Ellis J. Kelly. She is also survived by numerous siblings. Barbara had a special place in her heart for Nathan Marcinek.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard J. Hoyda.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Road) Highland, IN, 46322.

A vigil service will take place on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 9:00-10:00 am with a funeral service at 10:00 am.

Interment to follow Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN.

Barbara’s warmth, strength, and unwavering love for her family and community will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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