Evelyn Marie (Wirtes) Chaja, 82, of Hobart, Indiana passed away Tuesday, May 21st with her loved ones nearby and in her heart. Evelyn was born in Gary Indiana to the late George J. Wirtes and Peral M. Wirtes of Merriville Indiana. Evelyn grew up in Gary Indiana with a large extended family of many aunts, uncles, cousins, and her grandparents. Her first job as a teenager was at the Gary National Bank on Broadway where she was an elevator operator. She then went on to work at Gary Rich Ice Cream where she met her husband of 22 years, Walter Chaja, Sr. She graduated from Tolleston High School in Gary Indiana in 1959. Together Evelyn and Walter bought a house in Portage Indiana, where they would call home for many years. Evelyn and Walter had three children who all graduated from Portage High School. Evelyn’s first job in Portage was at the Portage Press newspaper and later at the 

Portage School District Administration building where she was the main receptionist for several years before working in the payroll department. Evelyn moved to California for three years, then returned to Indiana and worked as an office manager at the family’s doctor’s office for several years. It was during this time that she studied medical terminology. Later, she worked in Banquets at the Radisson Hotel in Merriville for many years, and in Banquets part-time at various other locations. She often spoke of her time working banquets with great fondness, as she made a lot of friends who further enriched her life. 

Evelyn enjoyed the beach, basking in the sun, boating the Floridian intercoastal waterways, and dining with family and friends. She also liked watching movies, shopping, thrift sales, and playing games that brought her family together, such as triominoes, dominoes, cards, Pokeno, Sequence, and UNO. In recent years, Evelyn’s daily routine included time on her iPad with Facebook, watching YouTube, and FaceTiming twice a day with her family. Evelyn’s favorite foods included shrimp, cheeseburgers, and a variety of treats. Evelyn enjoyed spending time with family and friends, particularly during the holidays. She always created a warm loving environment for everyone to gather. While visiting family in Florida this past year Evelyn learned to read Chinese characters while playing Mahjong. One of Evelyn’s biggest passions was traveling with her family at home and abroad. She traveled with her family to Florida, California, Spain, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany. She also trekked deep into the Amazon Rainforest in Peru, meeting 4 different Amazonian tribes and learning a lot about the cultures, plants, and animals in the region. Additionally, she traveled south of the border three times for family reunions in Cancun Mexico, visiting Isla Mujeres, the Tulum Ruins, and one of the seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza. 

Evelyn spread a lot of love wherever she went. She was a wonderful mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Evelyn always brought a radiant air of positivity, a sense of optimism, and a warm smile. She was compassionate, empathetic, fun, and willing to try new things. Evelyn had a knack for bringing people together, which is evident from the large circle of friends that she has enjoyed. Evelyn was a true treasure; she will be dearly missed! 

Evelyn is survived by her three children, Walter Chaja, Jr. and wife Debbie, Daniel Chaja, and Karen Ollari, grandchildren, Aaron Chaja, Ashley Chaja, Amber Chaja, Juan Carlos Chaja, Jesus Antonio Chaja and his wife Mariela, Brandon Chaja, Taylor Ollari, and Carlie Biron and husband Geoff, along with 11 great-grandchildren, in addition to many wonderful loving friends. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 25th, from noon to 5 PM at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel at 370 N. County Line Road, Hobart, IN 46342. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.