Laurel Jean Simon Saturday, October 21, 1944 - Monday, June 27, 2016
Laurel Jean (Poland) Simon, Indianapolis, born October 21, 1944, died on June 27 surrounded by her loving family and friends. Laurel was the wife of Richard (Dick) L. Simon for almost 48 years. Laurel was the mother of Jennifer L. Kerr (Cary) and Richard (Bud) L. Simon II (Tara); beloved grandmother of Nathanael and Zachary Kerr and Cody, Emma and Kaylee Simon. Laurel was preceded in death by her parents, Laurel (Jiggs) and Helen Poland, and her brother Tom. She will be missed beyond measure by her brothers, David, Jack, Andy, Mike, Pat and Tim Poland; as well as her sister, Nadine Poland Melind and their spouses. She was a loving, kind and generous aunt to her many nieces, nephews, and their children.
Laurel was a graduate of Southport High School. Following graduation, she worked at Eli Lilly, the Catholic Center of the Indianapolis Archdiocese, and the Beech Grove Benedictine Center and Benedict Inn at Our Lady of Grace Monastery. In 1993 she completed the Benedictine Center’s Spiritual Direction Internship and served as a spiritual director for many directees from then until her death. She also served as a supervisor for new interns in the program at the Benedict Inn. Laurel received her Bachelor's (1996) and Master's (1999) degrees from the University of Indianapolis, and used her education to serve others as a spiritual director, art therapist, retreat director, and mentor. She was a deeply devoted spiritual companion to her many directees and to her dearest friends--her Wellspring sisters.
Laurel was a quiet leader. She was instrumental in founding the Indiana region of Spiritual Directors International, and served as its director and as a board member. She worked with the national organization Contemplative Outreach leading Centering Prayer retreats and was influential in bringing their two-year “Living Flame” program to Indianapolis. Laurel ministered as retreat director for directed retreats and art centered retreats in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
Laurel had a lifelong love of gardening, flowers, and the beauty of the outdoors. She loved nothing more than a drive with Dick and Schatzi through Brown County, enjoying the scenery, culminating the trip with dinner in Nashville or Bloomington.
Laurel's life will be celebrated at mass on Saturday, July 30, at 10:00 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Indianapolis with lunch following at Park Tudor in the Wood Room. In lieu of flowers, Laurel asked that donations be made to the following communities:
Adrian Dominican Sisters www.adriandominicans.org
Congregation of St. Joseph www.csjoseph.org/nazareth_michigan.aspx
Sisters of St. Benedict
Our Lady of Grace Monastery www.benedictine.com
Sisters of St. Francis www.oldenburgfranciscans.org
Elizabeth Marie Wroblewski
Friday, September 4, 1931 - Friday, July 1, 2016
Elizabeth “Betty” Wroblewski, 84, of Indianapolis, passed away July 1, 2016. Elizabeth was born to parents Thomas “Joe” and Marion Crippen Fagan in Indianapolis on September 4, 1931. The family was a member of the Sacred Heart parish where Elizabeth attended school from kindergarten through her senior year. Also known as “Pete” to family and friends, she married Alfred Wroblewski on September 26, 1953 at St. Mark Catholic Church. The two soon began raising a family together and enjoying what life had to offer. Her work career as an accountant/bookkeeper spanned nearly 30 years of employment, primarily at PR Mallory and then RCA, from which she retired.
After retirement, she and Alfred summered at Lake Cordry in Nineveh, Indiana, and wintered in Arizona’s Mohave Valley. Eventually they settled in Henderson, Nevada, where they could enjoy warm weather year round and the occasional trip to one of the nearby casinos. While in Henderson, Pete was able to pursue her interests in crocheting, quilting and reading. She also spent a great deal of time every tax season as a volunteer preparing tax returns without charge for senior citizens and those of lesser means. It was a valuable service to those who received it, and it was something Pete continued to do when she returned to Indianapolis four years ago.
An only child, Pete never passed up an opportunity to get together with members of extended family, collectively or individually. Every meeting was always a celebration for her. She was a gentle soul who is to be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Alfred; daughter, Theresa Goggins (John); son, Thomas Wroblewski (Carol); and granddaughter, Danielle Tuschong (Ben). She was preceded in death by her infant son, Steven. Visitation will be held Friday, July 8, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S East St. (US Hwy 31 South), Indianapolis, IN 46227. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St Roch Catholic Church, 3600 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. Memorial contributions may be sent to Little Sisters of the Poor, 2345 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260.
David L. Brewer
Tuesday, November 5, 1957 - Monday, July 11, 2016
Our strong oldest brother, David Lee Brewer, 58, passed away on July 11, 2016 at IU Methodist Hospital surrounded by his family and the ever vigilant staff there. In classic McCandless/Brewer style, he fought until there was no point in fighting anymore. David had several families, none less important than the other. First, his siblings, Danny (Myrtle Beach, SC), Marilyn, Jennifer, Sarah Smith (Apopka, FL), Thomas (St. Louis), Brenda, and Steven Samuel "Sam"; nephews, Danny II and Andrew; nieces, Chelsea (Effingham, IL) and Amber; great niece, Astrid; and great nephew, Jasper. His second family was his IMG work family. Without their caring and such obvious love for our brother, he wouldn't have been able to have had these past two weeks. We will never be able to thank them enough. David never met a stranger. Anyone who has ever been at a pub on the southside of Indianapolis has probably met him and become fast friends. His last family was a family that none of us knew he had, including himself. That family would be the staff at IU Methodist Hospital cardiovascular intensive care unit. They surrounded our brother with their knowledge, care, constant vigilance and protection. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Daniel F. O'Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street (US Hwy 31 South), Indianapolis, IN 46227 with a service immediately following at 1 p.m. Entombment will be in Washington Park East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gleaners Food Bank, 3737 Waldemere Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241.
Charles R. "Rick" Commons
Saturday, October 14, 1944 - Saturday, July 9, 2016
Charles R. "Rick" Commons, 71, Indianapolis, passed away Saturday, July 9, 2016. He was born in Indianapolis on October 14, 1944 to Charles Patrick and Marguerite A. O'Donnell Commons. Rick was a 1962 graduate of Southport High School and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Purdue University. While in high school, Rick participated in the Junior Olympics as a swimmer. He worked as a Sales Engineer for Quality Mill Supply Co. Inc. in Franklin, IN for 45 years. Rick was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 3660 where he served on the House Committee, and the Bishop Chatard Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was a co-founder of the Wishing Well Fund, Inc. in 1972, and was awarded the title of Kentucky Colonel by the then Governor of Kentucky, Paul E. Patton. Rick was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol Ann Ladd Commons; and his son, Charles R. "Ricky" Commons II. He is survived by his daughter, DeeAnn Commons. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 13, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in Daniel F. O'Riley Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 a.m. in St. Barnabas Catholic Church with calling at the church prior to Mass beginning at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions are requested to the Wishing Well Fund, 846 Gazebo Way, Greenwood, IN 46142.
Joseph Thomas "Joey" Birtchman
Tuesday, November 29, 1983 - Saturday, July 16, 2016
Joseph Thomas Birtchman, 32, husband of Tiffany Nicole Birtchman, passed away July 16, 2016. He was born on November 29, 1983 at Fort Carson Colorado Army Hospital. Joey graduated from Decatur Central High School in 2002. He was the Owner/Operator of Birtchmans Family Flooring. He was a member of the Tennessee Squires Association and an avid collector of Jack Daniels memorabilia. He was the singles and doubles champion of the annual Fourth of July Washer Tournament multiple times. Joey is survived by his wife, Tiffany; mom and dad, Timothy and Bonnie Birtchman; mother, Debra Birtchman; grandparents, Mary Ellen Krause, Wayne and Betty Smith; sisters, Jillian (Matt) Larson, Amy (Tobi) Cobian, Colleen (Chris) Woods; brothers, Joshua (Angel), Jacob (Susan), and Joey (Tara) McHugh; 16 nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Friday, July 22, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Daniel F. O'Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East St. (US Hwy 31 South), Indianapolis, Indiana 46227 immediately followed by a service at 7 p.m.
Gertrude H. Fox
Sunday, February 24, 1918 - Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Gertrude H. Fox, 98, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2016. She was born on February 24, 1918 to Anthony J. and Gertrude Hill Laker. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Fox and her siblings, Delores, Everett, Arthur, Richard and Raymond. She is survived by her brother, Anthony Laker and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Friday, July 15, 2016 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Road, Indianapolis, IN 46227 immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.
Ernest Franklin Edmonds
Friday, November 11, 1955 - Friday, July 22, 2016
Ernest Franklin Edmonds, 60, of Greenwood, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2014. He was born on November 11, 1955 in Indianapolis, IN to Ernest Franklin and Rosaleen Griner Edmonds. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Dean Edmonds. He is survived by his wife, Darlynn Siefkin Edmonds; daughters, Andrea Brown and Stephanie (Kobi) Maisel; granddaughters, Lila Brown, Anayah Arielah and Adrianna Maisel; brother, Charles (Rita) Edmonds; sister, Sandy (Bill) Margason; brothers-in-law, Leon (Nancy) Siefken and Dale (Colleen) Siefken and loved by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday, July 25, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Daniel F. O'Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46227 immediately followed by a service at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family would be appreciated to help defray funeral expenses.
Hugh Ben Smith
Monday, August 27, 1934 - Thursday, May 12, 2016
Hugh Ben Smith, 81, Indianapolis, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2016. He was born in Henryetta, OK on August 27, 1934 to Scott M. and Hettie Easter Henry Smith. Hugh was a graduate of the University of Kansas where he played football. After graduation he served in the US Army in the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. Hugh played professional football in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and also played for teams in the CFL for several years. He was very proud of his family and his "Creek" American Indian Heritage. After his football career, Hugh worked as an ironworker with Ironworkers Local 22. He also worked as a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff's Department, probation officer, and as a bailiff in the Marion County Courts, just to name a few of his many jobs. He was passionate about fishing, games of chance and watching over his neighborhood from his perch on the front porch. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pauline Cook; brothers, Buck "Chief Lone Eagle" Burgess, Scott Smith, and William Smith. He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Dinn) Smith; sons, Joseph Smith, David Smith (Heather); daughter, Ramona Cline; sister, Betty Ann Breeding; grandchildren, Caroline Smith, Charley Smith, Layla Hurat, Jeramy Cline; nieces and nephews, Caroline, Amy, Katie, Bobby and Kenneth. Visitation will be Monday, May 16, 2016 from 12 noon until 4 p.m. with a funeral service at 1 p.m. in Daniel F. O'Riley Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
