Rebecca Ann Pelath

RebeccaAnn Pelath
July 11, 1947 - October 14, 2025 

Rebecca Ann Pelath, 78, of Michigan City passed away on October 14, 2025.
Rebecca was born on July 11, 1947, in Peoria, Illinois, to Robert J. Hoerr and Marguerite (Beer)
Hoerr. She later moved with her family to Milford, Indiana, where she was the Salutatorian of
Milford High School in 1965. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, a nursing degree from Purdue University, and a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. While studying at Ball State, she met her husband and best friend, Richard A. Pelath. They were married on June 9, 1968, and made their permanent home in Michigan City. Their marriage was a lasting partnership of mutual devotion and affection.

“Becky” was widely respected throughout LaPorte County as an accomplished health care
professional. As a young mother of three, she returned to college to earn her nursing degree
and worked as an intensive care nurse at Memorial Hospital in Michigan City. She later rose to
administrative positions at Memorial Hospital, the LaPorte County Council on Aging, Health
Partners Medical Group, and Franciscan Health. Regardless of her role, she always identified
first as an ICU nurse dedicated to the highest standards of care.

Most important to Becky, however, was her husband and her family. She was a central and
irreplaceable part of several generations who loved and admired her. Their fondest memories
are of her laughter on summer evenings at Walloon Lake, Michigan, of sharing sweatshirt-
weather boat rides with her on Lake Michigan, or of receiving her beautiful smile.
Becky is survived by her three sons, Scott D. (Laura) Pelath of LaPorte, Marc A. (Diana) Pelath
of Chicago, and Anthony R. (Kristen) Pelath of Sewickley, PA; five grandchildren, Israel Pelath,
Isabella Pelath, Nell Pelath, Lorenzo Panozzo-Reid, and Leo Panozzo-Pelath; three great-
grandchildren, Luka Rice, Shiloh Rice, and Ronan Thomas; four brothers, Robert A. (Lilliam)
Hoerr of Duluth, MN, Frederic J. (Martha) Hoerr of Fort Valley, VA, Douglas E. (Tracy) Hoerr of
Chicago, and Jeffrey L. (Rocio) Hoerr of Chicago; and numerous adoring nieces, nephews, and
cousins.  Becky was preceded in death by her husband of forty years and her parents.

Donations in Becky’s name may be made to the American Stroke Association.  https://www.stroke.org/en/ https://www.stroke.org/en/?
The family gives special thanks for the love, kindness, and respect of her caregivers at The Elms in Michigan City.

Becky will be interred privately alongside her husband at Greenwood Cemetery in Michigan
City. At a future date to be announced, the family plans a joyous memorial event where her
large circle of family and friends will celebrate her remarkable life.  Arrangements are being entrusted to the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our web site at www.otthaverstock.com. 

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