Mary Katherine (LaBerge) Stainko

       Mary Katherine Stainko, age 67 of Porter, IN, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at her home.  She was born on May 7, 1958, in Denver, CO, to Lee and Delores (Bradway) LaBerge, both of whom preceded her in death. 

       On June 29, 1985, she married the love of her life, Andrew “Andy” Stainko Jr., who survives in Porter, IN.  They were married for 41 wonderful years. She is also survived by her loving children, Sarah (Jason) Short of Mooresville, IN and Andrew III (Rachael) Stainko of Lafayette, IN; her adoring grandchildren: Henry, Leslie, and Andrew IV; and by her siblings: Jim (Carmen) LaBerge of Kingston Springs, TN, Kim Butzler of Michigan City, IN, and Cheryl (Don) Walker of LaPorte, IN; and by her many nieces and nephews. 

       In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her siblings: Peggy Bohle, Joseph LaBerge and Beverly Cannan. 

       Mary graduated from LaPorte High School and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree at Purdue University and graduated in 1984. During this time she studied medical technology and completed her training at St. Mary Medical Center.

       Mary became a registered Medical Technologist (ASCP) and worked for Alverno Laboratories.  She was hired at Franciscan Health Michigan City (formerly St. Anthony Hospital) in March 1993.  She worked in all areas of the clinical laboratory, but her favorite departments were Hematology and Blood Bank.  Mary took pride in her job and liked training students and new employees.  She was dedicated to staying up to date in the field and enjoyed attending laboratory-related conferences.  Mary was a member of the Indiana State Association of Blood Banks.

       Mary enjoyed life.  She fiercely loved her family and her dog, Winnie.  She was dedicated to her work and was a Purdue sports enthusiast. She was a long time Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan.

       She will forever be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. 

       Services will be held at 1pm-4pm on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. 

Professional arrangements are entrusted to White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, IN.

Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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