Clara C. Wasko

Clara C. Wasko, nee Pszczola, age 98, of Highland, IN, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 21, 2026 with her family at her side. Clara found her greatest joy with her family. She is survived by her daughters, Carol Elliott, Sharon and Eileen Wasko; her granddaughter Kim (David) Nowak; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Delaney and Joshua. Sisters Helen Rymarczyk, Barbara (Lynn) Mattingly, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Walter, her parents Vincent and Martha Pszczola, sisters and brothers-in-law Cecelia (Matt) Gross, Frank Rymarczyk, Rita (Joseph) Hynek, and niece Marilyn Evers.

If you were fortunate to know Clara, you knew her warmth and simple joys. She loved watching the Cubs, chocolate, spending time working jigsaw puzzles, word searches, scratching lottery tickets, and hoping for someone to take her to the casino. Her gentle spirit, strength and enduring love for her family will be deeply missed. We now have another guardian angel watching over us.

Visitation for family and friends to say their final goodbyes will be held Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the prayer service at 12:30 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30./Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN. Private interment Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens – Schererville, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hospice of the Calumet Area (www.hospicecalumet.org) appreciated. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com