Corene (Reyes) Rucoba

Corene (Reyes) Rucoba, age 87, of Munster, IN, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Franciscan Health, Crown Point, IN.

Corene was born September 20, 1937, in Dallas, TX, to Sabina Gonzalez and Antonio "Tony" Reyes. The majority of her childhood was spent in East Chicago, IN. Upon graduating from Indiana University in 1975 with an Associate of Arts in nursing, she furthered her education by receiving a Bachelor of Science in Organization Management in 1996. She started her nursing career at Methodist Hospital. She moved on to Ross Clinic and Jones Clinic. She was an industrial nurse at Ethicon and LaSalle Steel until she became a school nurse for East Chicago Public Schools, until her retirement in 2003. Corene was able to enjoy her retirement for a full two months before becoming a full-time Nana/caretaker of her twin grandchildren, Bobby and Lindsey.

Corene was a strong and dedicated woman who was committed to giving her children a beautiful life. At the young age of 34, she became widowed. With limited skills, she put herself through college while raising 4 young children. She instilled the importance of education in all of her children. She was most proud of their academic accomplishments. She would often boast about all of her children being college educated with Advanced Degrees. She was the matriarch of her large, loving family. Her biggest and most genuine smile came from seeing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Corene always had an entourage of family wherever she went. On her final day, she enjoyed visits from 23 close family members, who each got the chance to say their special goodbyes.

Corene is survived by her son, Robert “Bob” Rucoba (Tamara); daughters, Lorraine Duncan (Kenton), Chris Friel (Dan), and Susan Guy (Scott); sisters, Manuela "Nellie" Pena and Helen Gallardo; grandchildren, Benjamin Guy (Hilary), Kristin Duncan, Jordan Duncan (Samantha), Jamie Witter (Chris), Cameron Duncan, Brittany Perry (Anthony), Holly Fiore (Jordan); Nicholas Friel, Noelle Friel, Savannah Rucoba, Bobby Guy, and Lindsey Guy; great grandchildren, Lillian, Cecillia, and Scarlett Duncan, Liam, Avery, and Bristol Witter, Daemon Guy, Scarlett, Dominik, and Tatiana Perry; and endearing friend, Yasmine Tolbert.

Corene is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Rucoba; siblings, Ramona Celio, Mary Vargas, Gregorio "Joe" Reyes, Roberta "Bobbie" Becerra, and Jessie Reyes; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Corene was a professional gift giver and garage/estate sale enthusiast. She was best known for her wisdom, organizational and problem-solving skills, endless to-do lists, spicy personality, humorous jokes, listening ear, and strong opinions. She always stated that happiness was paramount for her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2025, with a time of Visitation from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Hillside Funeral Home, 8941 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN. Burial will be in private in Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN.

Corene was a lifelong lover of animals. Contributions in Corene Rucoba's name can be made to: Lakeshore PAWS Animal Shelter at 4611 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Corene's grandson, Jordan Duncan, funeral director and owner of Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve his family. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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