Terry Lynn Zurek

Terry Lynn Zurek, born Terry Lynn Vajda on March 16, 1950, in East Chicago, Indiana, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at her home in Valparaiso, Indiana. She was the daughter of late Marian Eleanor and George Vadja, and grew up surrounded by the love of her siblings, Denise (late Paul), Darcy (Randy), Toby (Neal), and (late)Tommy.

Terry was a devoted mother to her children, Josh and Rachael, and a proud grandmother to Skylar and Trace, along with several other grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom she lovingly welcomed and cherished as her own. Her love for family was steady, generous, and endlessly soft.

A graduate of Highland High School, Terry carried her creativity and appreciation for nature throughout her life. She worked for many years at Allen’s Landscaping in Highland, where her love for flowers and the beauty of living things became both her work and her joy. She adored birds, quiet gardens, painting, and spending time with her books, finding peace and comfort in the worlds she read and imagined.

Terry will be remembered most for her thrilling, unforgettable stories and the way she wrapped the people she loved in warmth. Her presence made memories vivid, days brighter, and love feel easy. Her grandchildren — both by birth and by heart were her joy, and she poured herself into them with devotion and pride.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassionate care and tenderness during Terry’s final days.

May her soul rest in peace, surrounded by all the beauty she loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block South of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN.

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

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