Theresa Maria (Velasquez) Jarecki

Theresa M. “Teri” Jarecki (nee Velasquez) (formerly Whiting) of Highland returned home to her Father’s House on March 4, 2026. Born on November 29, 1933, in Indiana Harbor, Indiana to Antonio and Aurora (Ortega) Velasquez, Teri was born into a large family, being the fourth of ultimately eleven children. Teri grew up in Indiana Harbor and East Chicago “proper” and graduated from E.C. Washington High School in 1951. She later earned an associate’s degree from Calumet College of St. Joseph. Teri met Louis R. Whiting after he returned to the Harbor from his tour of duty in Korea, and they were married at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on September 4, 1954. They were blessed with 3 children, Karen Lynn, Diane Lynn, and Louis Richard. Teri worked for Household Finance, St. James the Less Parish in Highland, and Interstate Alarm during her professional career. After Lou’s passing in 1985, Teri married Bob Jarecki and they were long-time members of Living Stones Church in Crown Point. Preceded in death by her parents, husbands Lou and Bob, brothers Tony and Robert Velasquez, sisters Aurora Vela and Helen Wirtz, son-in-law Rusty Chambers, and great-granddaughter Sterling Raspe, she is survived by her daughters Karen Guidotti and Diane (Shawn) Ebert, son Rick Whiting, grandchildren Ron Guidotti Jr., Julianne (Phil) Pruim, Kyle Chambers, Madeline (Kingsley) Raspe, Olivia (Blake) Lewis, Briana (Jeremy) Bogue, Drew, Jessica, and Nathan Whiting, great grandchildren Corey Pruim and Wren Raspe, siblings Charles (Rose) Velasquez, Edmund Velasquez, Margaret Martin, Mario (Debbie) Velasquez, and Ophelia Rice; several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. Teri loved the Lord, her family, and her friends with all her heart. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.

A private gathering is planned for a later date.

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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