Elena Popa

Elena (Alger) Popa "Noots" was born June 3, 1937, the sixth of eight children born to Ion and Rosalia Popa, who emigrated from Romania. She was raised on a small farm, worked as a car-hop at the ParkMor Drive-In, and graduated from Dyer High School, class of '55. In November of 1955, she married Jack Alger of Griffith, and together they built their home and family in Schererville until Jack passed away on her birthday in 1972 after a long battle with cancer. Elena worked many jobs to support her children, including Sauzer's Waffle Shop, Lake Central High School, and the rectory at St. John Catholic Church. She was a charter member of Peace Lutheran Church and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother. In 1976, Elena married Paul Popa and joined him in working at Gary Steel Products as a machine operator and welder, and was a member of SMW Local 20. They enjoyed taking many road trips across the country. In 2017 they moved to Merrillville, where Paul passed away in 2019. Since then, Elena has enjoyed spending her time playing cards and visiting with her friends Luther, Deloris and Mary, and going bird watching with her granddaughter Elena. She was preceded by her siblings Mary Schau, Anna Benedict, Pearl Schmidt, Rose Mahaffey, John Nestor and Milt Popa. Elena is survived by her loving children Jack Alger Jr, Lynette (Guy) Estes, Mark (Karen) Alger, Craig (Caroline) Alger and "daughter-in-love" Julie Wines; Her cherished grandchildren Brandy Alger, Daniel Estes, Nicole Kubicki, Elena (TJ) Douglas, special care giver Jayme (Ryan) Alger, Tessa (Christopher) Hektoen, Jesse (Terance) Berleen, Kaitlyn Alger, and Jake Alger; Her beloved great-grandchildren Tristan Alekszander, Cora, Fiona and Ronan; Her sister-in-law Sonda Popa Pence, and numerous nieces and nephews. A public visitation for Elena will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, Indiana 46307. A public visitation will occur Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 10:00 AM, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, Indiana 46307. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4NTA0MjkxNDI1MzE2NSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Erin's Farm NFP in Hobart. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Popa family.