Betty Mae (Kalbac) Bacon

Our beloved Betty Mae Kalbac Bacon, age 92, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Munster, Indiana, Betty was the daughter of Frank Kalbac and Hazel Pulkowski, and was raised by Hazel and her caring father, Leland Irvin. Betty was an adoring sister of her big brothers Bill and Norm Kalbac. After graduating from Hammond High School, she married William "Bill" Morton Bacon, a Navy lieutenant at the time. Together they shared 64 beautiful years of marriage, raising four children and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and especially — music.

Music was at the heart of Betty and Bill's life. Whether gathered around the piano, singing together, or encouraging their children and grandchildren to play and perform, the Bacon home was always alive with song. They believed that music was one of life's purest joys — a gift meant to be shared — and that belief lives on through their family.

Betty was a proud mother to David Bacon of Highland, Kimberly Gilbert of Alabama, Judith (Harry) Britton of Crawfordsville, and William Bacon of Fort Lauderdale. She adored her grandchildren — David Joel Gilbert, Christine (Gilbert) Ramirez, Emily (Gilbert) Allen, Hanna (Britton) O'Neal, and Austin Britton — and delighted in her great-grandchildren Weston, Delilah, Hermione, Eleanor, Basil, Jonathan, and Rowyn. She also leaves behind a closest niece, Kathy Kalbac as well as dear neighbors, and lifelong friends who became part of her extended family.

An artist at heart, Betty loved to garden, paint in watercolor, and make her home a place of beauty and belonging. She was the first to greet new neighbors, the last to forget a birthday, and the steady presence of kindness in so many lives. She was active in local Women's Clubs as well as being a life-long member of Deep River Church of Christ in Merrillville, Indiana.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road, Highland, Indiana.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the funeral home, followed by interment at Concordia Cemetery, Hammond, Indiana.

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing."

— Psalm 100:1-2

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Mae (Kalbac) Bacon, please visit our floral store.