Eva (Quintanilla) Ortiz

Gary, IN –  Eva (Quintanilla) Paz Ortiz, a woman of unwavering faith and the beloved heart of her family, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026 at the age of 92.  A lifelong, devout Catholic, Eva  lived her life as a testament to the teachings of the Church. Her rosary was never far from her hand, and her trust in God provided her with immense strength as she navigated the journey of a long and meaningful life.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Artie Ortiz, her parents Benito and Josephine Quintanilla, her sisters Dorthy (Jessie Cantu) and Alice (Alfred Avina), and daughter in law, Catherine Paz, she carried their memory with grace, finding comfort in the promise of their heavenly reunion.  A pillar of the Brunswick community, Eva spent many years of her life in service to others.  

While her family was always her primary devotion, her influence reached far beyond her home through her many years at Brunswick Elementary.  There, she poured her heart and soul into nurturing generations of local youth, leaving an indelible mark on the community she so dearly loved.  Even in her final years, her former students still treated her with the deep affection of family;. they never stopped loving her like a grandmother.  Eva enjoyed spending time with her family and friends at Yogi Bear Jellystone Campground.    If music was playing, Eva was likely on the dance floor.  She was the life of the party and loved being surrounded by her family.  She was vibrant and deeply cared for everyone she met. 

Eva’s greatest masterpiece was the family she nurtured. She is survived by her two sons, Damian and Mark (Jeanine), and her brother, Robert (Joann).  Her legacy of love has blossomed through the generations and continues to live on in her numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and godchildren.  Eva was blessed with  9 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. To them, she was more than a grandmother; she was a prayer warrior, a source of wisdom, and the ultimate example of a life well-lived.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life and faith.  Visitation will be Thursday March 5, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Friday, March 6, 2026 from 9:30 am to 10:00 am at FIFE FUNERAL HOME, 4201 Indianapolis, Boulevard East Chicago, IN 46312.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church, Indianapolis Blvd. at 144th Street, East Chicago, IN on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 10:30 am with Rev. Terry Steffens officiating.  A reception will follow 12:00 - 3:00 pm at Andorra Banquets, 1112 US - 41, Schererville, IN 46375. 

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