Carolyn Diane Sowers McKenna

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.