Gloria "Eileen" Parker, 89, of Kendallville, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

She was born in Hammond, Indiana, on January 18, 1936, to Everett E. and Minnie M. (Patterson) Chapman.

She graduated from Buffalo High School, Buffalo, Indiana, in 1955.

She married Jerry G. Polakovic on April 7, 1956. He preceded her in death on April 18, 1975.

In 1978, Eileen married Jack Parker in Las Vegas, Nevada. He preceded her in death on December 5, 2010.

Eileen was an Avon Representative for 25 years, and loved visiting with all her customers.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kendallville where she was active. She loved her church family and friends over the years. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for more than 55 years. She was a member of Red Hat Society, American Legion Auxiliary, and Kendallville Lady Elks #1194.

Eileen enjoyed spending time and talking with family and friends. She loved to travel finding round rocks, enjoying her ice cream, and going out with friends and family.

Eileen especially enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as they meant the world to her. Eileen was a very kind, giving, and an infamous story-teller with a wealth of knowledge who will be missed by all.

Survivors are her son, Garry (Sara) Polakovic of LaOtto; daughter, Jeannie (Jill) Polakovic of Winamac; grandchildren, Holly (Clancy) Smith, Errik (Toni) Polakovic, Emily (Nick) Kraus, and Noah (Chelsey) Polakovic; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Beatrice Civitavese of North Carolina; brother, Alvin (Sandy) Chapman of Florida; and sister-in-law, Nancy Chapman of Ohio.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Thomas Chapman, who died in Vietnam and Everett Chapman; and sisters, Eleanor Nice, Clara Slyter, and Dorothy Dulin.

Visitation will be Monday, February 3, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville where a Rosary service will be held at 6 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 312 E. Diamond Street, Kendallville with Father J. Steele officiating.

Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery, Kendallville.

Honorary pallbearers are Marcella Boman, Gail Rodenbeck, Marge Patterson, Shirley Wirick, and Nancy Ziebell. Active pallbearers are Errik Polakovic, Noah Polakovic, Clancy Smith, Nick Kraus, Harper Lee, and Graham Smith.

View a video tribute after Monday or share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com