Marijo Semchuck

Mary Joan Semchuck - known to everyone as Marijo - age 71 of Hammond, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her north Hammond residence early Saturday October 10, 2026. She is survived by her son, Alex (Kelli) Semchuck; blessed grandson, Christopher James Semchuck; devoted sisters, Christine (late Randal) Reese, Carolyn (late Jim) Swanson, and devoted brother, Charles (Nancy) Semchuck; honorary granddaughters, Layla and Elise Torres; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and fur babies. Preceded in death by her parents, Bernice (Jez) Semchuck and Charles Semchuck; godson, James "Jamie" Swanson; and granddaughter, Addison Grace Semchuck.

Funeral services will be held Saturday October 17, 2026 at 9:30am at the Acevez Funeral Home, 4404 Cameron Avenue, Hammond (two blocks E. of Hohman, one block N. of Gostlin) for a 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Casimir Church. Visitation on Friday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Marijo was a graduate of St. Casimir School ('69) in north Hammond; Bishop Noll Institute ('73) in Hammond; and the former Sawyer Business College in Merrillville. She was a former employee of Berlin Metals in Hammond; Tinplate Partners in Gary; Macsteel Service Center in South Chicago; Kloeckner Metals in South Chicago; and most recently served as administrative assistant and front desk face of Munster Steel in north Hammond since 2014. In the 80s, she operated a Godfather's Pizza franchise in Merrillville. Her favorite job was likely as an associate at The Disney Store at River Oaks Shopping Mall in Calumet City from the mid-90s until its closure in 2004.

Marijo was a devoted animal lover, volunteering countless hours for local animal rescue organizations Second Chance 4 Pets Network and Humane Indiana, and supporting multiple charities, including Best Friends Animal Society and Alley Cat Allies.  She tirelessly fed, fostered, and homed countless stray cats.

Marijo was cherished by her family, with whom she always loved spending time around a delicious sausage pizza and a few ice cold Bud Lights. She tried to attend every family event, even if it meant traveling to Maryland, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, or California. She was a Disney fanatic, enjoying many trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World with her family and close friends, and collecting numerous Disney media and collectables. She loved decorating her house and office for holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Second Chance 4 Pets Network and Alley Cat Allies would be appreciated.

Marijo was a selfless human who put every person's and every creature's needs before her own, and always offered her help no matter the task. She was a beacon of light, happiness, and positivity to everyone who spent any amount of time with her, and was a lifesaver to numerous cats and dogs. In any and every single way, she was one of the good ones.