Carolyn Diane Sowers McKenna
May 1, 1936 ~ October 3, 2017
Carolyn Diane Pierle, Sowers, McKenna, 81, passed away October 3, 2017 peacefully after a brave fight with cancer. Mrs. McKenna was born May 1, 1936, to the late George and Lillian (Bostwick) Pierle.
She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1954. In the 70’s she was a babysitter for many kids who still remember her fondly. In the 80’s she began her career for the Indianapolis Star & News retiring 25 years later. Mrs. McKenna was a devout catholic and active member of St. Roch Catholic Church. She enjoyed playing euchre with her sister, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, niece “my Karen”, as she called her, and best friends. She was a heroine to her kids & grandkids, and will forever be missed.
Survivors include her children, Carrie L. Wagoner, Daniel J. (Dano), Debra A., Susie Q., Mike F. Jr.,and John P. McKenna; daughter-in-law, Nancy Sowers; special daughters, Lynda Davis and Liz Ginsberg; brothers, Jerome F. (Charleen) Pierle and Richard G. (Chloe) Pierle and their families; twelve grandchildren, Courtney, Shane, Cody, Jacob, Michael, Joey, Colton, Kylie, Hannah (Chase), Mace, Morgan, and Abbie; one expected great grandchild, Emerson Lee, due in January; special grandchildren Tucker McDonald, and Caleb & Jude Ginsberg; aunt, Doris “Babe” Pierle Leopard; best friends, Joyce Forey, Diane McAndrews, and Mary Heldman; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband and forever love, Alonzo Sowers; her second husband, Michael McKenna Sr.; her son, Dwayne S. Sowers; her brother, Edward Pierle and his wife Hazle; her sister and best friend, Margie Sheets and her husband David.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Carolyn’s hospice nurse, Robin Pasch.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2017, 2 to 6 p.m., in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, where morning prayers will be said on Monday, October 9, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, in St. Roch Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Roch Catholic Church, Community South Hospice, or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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First met you many years ago when I started working at the Indpls Star and then got to know you and your family and spent many times playing cards and many times at the 4th Estate with picnics. You are a very sweet woman and will never forget you
My beautiful mother, hero, best friend, confidant, purpose and my world. Thank you for loving me, teaching me, guiding me. I am who I am today because of all you did and are to me. I love you so much and my world is forever emoty now. Im so glad you’re w/o pain but i miss you so much. Always in my heart and soul your baby girl
was lit in memory of Carolyn Diane Sowers McKenna
I sat across the aisle from Carolyn when I transferred to the Business Office at the Indianapolis Star many years ago. Carolyn was a very sweet, caring lady. She made me a crucifix in her craft class which is still hanging over my dresser to this day. She touched many lives and will be missed by many.
My Dear, Dear Friend. The great times, the meals, the laughs, the talks, the tears we have shared over the years. You are so very kind. You always cared for everyone. You are a big part of my life. I will miss you so very much. I love you!
Oh, sweet Carolyn. The angels must be singing as you join them in Heaven. Your presence here on earth will be missed, but you are finally home and at peace. Continue to watch over your Children and Grandchildren as they mourn losing you. Thank you for always making me feel welcome in your home as Susie and I grew up in to adult hood. You will always have a very special place in my heart ❤️
Lots of memories from times spent with you and Aunt Marybeth. I will miss your laugh.
This would make her so happy to know you have kept it all these years. Thank you so much for sharing, Susie M
She loved you very much my friend, love you Sus
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Mary, she loved you dearly, susie
I remember when Carolyn came to visit Debra in L.A. and whipped up biscuits so good I would’ve sworn I was in her own kitchen. This was after she had chided Debra for not having decent biscuit pans, which she was right to do. She was a lovely lady and I enjoyed the time I spent with her. I wish her a new level of joy and peace, and my heart goes out to her family.
My dearest mother, not a day goes by that I haven’t cried for you. I miss you badly. I’m not sure how I’ll ever get over Th so loss. I’m deeply broken, love you so very much, Susie
She loved her trips out there.
I’m still so broken.. I love you very much