Carrie Koleski

If you ever needed a good laugh, a random trinket, or a story that somehow made the impossible sound real, Carrie Koleski was the person you went to. With a heart as big as her sense of humor, she left this world unexpectedly on March 13, 2025, in Dyer, Indiana, at the age of 48. While her time here was far too short, she made every moment count—living life with determination, mischief, and an unshakable love for her family.

Born on June 3, 1976, in Crown Point, Indiana, Carrie was never one to follow the beaten path. She graduated from Portage High School in 1995 and carved out a life full of adventure, laughter, and surprises. She welcomed her beloved daughters, Polly (Alexandria) and Annie (Angelica) Mackey, in 2003, instantly becoming a mother they adored. Family was everything to Carrie, and she made sure they always knew how deeply they were loved.

She is survived by her loving parents, Shirley McConnell and Cliff Koleski; her brothers, Timothy and Ford Koleski; and her cherished daughters, Polly and Annie. She was preceded in death by her spouse, James Schneider, on March 12, 2025. While we imagine their reunion involved epic storytelling and laughter, those of us left behind will miss them both dearly.

Carrie had an uncanny ability to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. She was the life of the party, the queen of stubbornness, and a collector of all things strange and useful. If there was an object out of place, Carrie would find it. If something needed fixing, she’d tackle it with determined hands and a creative mind. She loved music, telling wild stories, and making people laugh until they cried. Her fondness for cough drops was legendary, and if you ever needed a little pick-me-up, she probably had a pocket full to share.

Though we grieve, we also celebrate. Carrie wouldn’t want us sitting in sadness—she’d want us telling stories, laughing loudly, and remembering that life is meant to be lived boldly and unapologetically. Rest easy, Carrie. Your light, your love, and your larger-than-life personality will stay with us forever.

Arrangements entrusted to 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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