Theresa "Terri" Ward Kaminski (née Penkala), born on July 4, 1953, age 71, of East Chicago, IN, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024. 

She is survived by her husband, Krzysztof Kaminski; daughter, Elizabeth (Piotr) Pekala; son, Jeffrey Ward; grandchildren: Stephanie Pekala, Ashley Ward, Katie Ward, Zack Ward and Cole Ward; brother, Edward (Diana) Penkala.

Preceded in death by her twin infant daughter, Anne-Tina Ward; parents, Emanuel Penkala and Maria Penkala; godson, Edward E. Penkala.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:30 am at The Carmelite Monastery Chapel, 1628 Ridge Road, Munster, IN 46321. Further details will be announced during the mass. 

Theresa was a longtime resident of East Chicago and a member of St. Stanislaus Church. She attended St. Stanislaus Elementary School, Roosevelt High School and Purdue University. She worked as a Purchasing Agent in her early years and was very active in the community. Theresa was very proud of her Polish heritage and worked as a Polish translator for many years, helping many people along their way to becoming American citizens. She was an excellent Polish cook, who loved to share her recipes with her family and friends. Her pride and joy were her five grandchildren. She instilled Polish traditions within her family that will not be forgotten. Theresa made many life-long friendships over the years and was very caring and generous. She loved music and always had songs playing while at home or driving. Over the years, Theresa traveled extensively to Poland to visit family. In fact, during her first trip to Poland in the early eighties, she took her father, Emanuel, to see his siblings that he hadn't seen since he left during World War II. She will be deeply missed, but forever remembered for the boundless love she had for her family, friends, and strangers who had the honor to meet her. Her legacy and memory will remain in our hearts forever.

Flowers can be sent to The Carmelite Monastery Chapel during the memorial mass, or you may choose to donate to your favorite charity in Theresa's name.