Barbara A. McAninch

Barbara Anne (Shea) McAninch, 72, of Indianapolis, passed away on January 16, 2025. Born on June 21, 1952, in Indianapolis, Barbara lived most of her life in the Indianapolis area, including Greenwood and Carmel. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and volunteer who touched the lives of many.

Barbara's early years were marked by academic and extracurricular achievements. She graduated from St. Mark’s Grade School in the spring of 1966 and went on to graduate from Bishop Chartrand High School (now known as Roncalli High School) in the spring of 1970, where she was an active participant in the school’s theater and choir programs. Following high school, she worked at the Indianapolis Public Library until the spring of 1974, before embarking on the next chapter of her life.

On June 8, 1974, Barbara married Michael McAninch, and together they built a family. In May 1975, she left her job at Eli Lilly to become a full-time homemaker. The birth of their daughter, Ann Margaret, in 1975, and their son, Thomas, in February 1981, were among the greatest joys of her life. Barbara was a loving and dedicated mother, always active in her children's lives and the community.

As a stay-at-home mom, Barbara found time to contribute to the Church and her community. She was actively involved in Marriage Encounter, enriching the lives of many couples through the program at parishes on the north side of Indianapolis. Her commitment to volunteerism extended to St. Lawrence, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Barnabas Catholic Churches, where she volunteered in various capacities over the years.

Barbara worked outside the home again in later years, including time spent at the Village Dove and as a substitute teacher at her beloved Roncalli High School. Throughout her life, she continued to be a source of joy and light to all who knew her. Her love for family, playing euchre, bingo, trivia and spending time with her grandchildren brought her deep happiness, and she especially loved shopping and dining at Cracker Barrel and Cheeseburger in Paradise with her children and grandchildren.

Barbara was known for her peaceful presence, her warm heart, and her ability to bring fun and joy to any gathering. She shared a special bond with her family and friends, whether as President of the Resident Council at the senior center or during family gatherings, always creating a sense of harmony and love.

Barbara is survived by her mother, Wilma Shea (Bittner); siblings Eileen, Karen, and Joseph; son Thomas (Terese) of Indianapolis; daughter Ann Margaret (Kevin) Stamber of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren Liam, Lucy, and Declan McAninch, and Kieran and Willard Stamber; and her former husband, Michael McAninch.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph F. Shea; sister, JoEllen Wright; and granddaughters, Marie Louise Stamber and Magdalena Rose Stamber.

Barbara’s family and friends will remember her for her unwavering love, her warm smile, and her peaceful presence.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at O'Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory from 12:45pm-1:45pm. A Memorial Mass will be held immediately following at St. Mark Catholic Church (535 Edgewood Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46227) at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: TKE Foundation, 7439 Woodland Dr., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46278 / https://my.tke.org/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f (notating in memory of Barbara McAninch) or St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 535 Edgewood Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46227.