Mrs. Carla K. Brandon, 55, of LaPorte, died Jan. 8, 2014, at 7:41 a.m. at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born May 9, 1958, in LaPorte to Anthony and Marie (Grandhoeffer) Chidalek and had lived here most of her life.
Carla was an oral surgery assistant for Dr. John Kim, D.M.D., for over 22 years. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and St. Peter Folk Choir, was a 1977 LaPorte High School graduate and attended Indiana University, Bloomington. She enjoyed snow skiing, was a nature lover and especially enjoyed Lake Michigan. She loved her family and had a special love for life and people.
On Aug. 4, 1979, in LaPorte, she married Michael C. Brandon, who preceded her in death Nov. 22, 2008.
She was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Mark A. Chidalek.
She is survived by two daughters, Lindsay A. (Kristopher) Kobat of Trail Creek, IN, and Lauren E. (Michael J.) Maki of LaPorte; one son, Adam M. Brandon of LaPorte; one granddaughter, Lucy A. Maki; five sisters, Dr. Anita (John) Murray Clary of Topeka, KS, Paula (John) Tanger of LaPorte, Regina (Brian) Erne of LaPorte, Diana (Joseph) Porter of Grants Pass, OR, and Christina (Rudolf) Manfredonia of Margate, FL; two brothers, J. Michael (Barbara) Chidalek of Houston, TX, and Martin (Theresa) Chidalek of LaPorte; many nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Barbara Brandon of Michigan City, IN; sister-in-law, Susan Brandon of Huntington Beach, CA; and dear friends Dr. John M. and Shawn Kim, and Clyde and Marcia Brodhacker.
A memorial Mass will be held Friday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Joseph Angotti officiating. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Thursday, Jan. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. The Rosary will be recited Thursday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow Mass in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Carla Brandon c/o Essling Funeral Home, 1117 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.