Therese C. Rolfsen Mappes

Therese C. Rolfsen Mappes, 92, lifelong resident of Indianapolis, passed away May 20, 2023.  Mrs. Mappes was born June 23, 1930, to the late George B. and Magdalene (Wittekind) Rolfsen.  Terry attended St. Roch Grade School and Sacred Heart High School.  She married her high school sweetheart, Norbert Mappes, in 1949; he preceded her in death in 2002. 

As a homemaker, Terry calmly managed a very busy household of eight children.  Later she worked part time at Pieper Brothers, Inc. and at the University of Indianapolis.  She worked for 27 years at the front desk of the Ruth Lilly Center at UIndy.  She loved meeting and greeting the students, as well as several grandchildren who attended UIndy. 

Terry is survived by her children, Terrence Michael (Ann) Mappes of Morgantown, Connie (Mike) Shelburn of Indianapolis, Kenny (Debbie) Mappes of San Diego, CA, John (Karen) Mappes of Spencer, Donald (Therese) of Greenwood, Mary Sue (Wiley) Craft, Andy (Cindy) Mappes, and Billy (Holly) Mappes, all of Indianapolis; two brothers, Paul and Jack Rolfsen; 27 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by Norbert and siblings, George “Bud” Rolfsen, Jr., Mary Gough, Rose Sterrett, and Sylvester “Sy” Rolfsen. 

Terry’s greatest joy was her family.  She dearly loved her eight children, and even at the end, she could name them off proudly, saying that she could never forget her children.  Quick witted, she had a smile that could light up any room.  Terry was a kind and gentle soul with an enormous strength guided by her faith and strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. 

The Mappes Family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Franciscan Hospice House and Franciscan Senior Health & Wellness, a Program of All-inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE).  Their compassion and care was excellent, going above and beyond.  Also, a special thanks to caregiver Jennifer Kappes of Choosing Home, LLC, who was always there for Terry and the family. 

Terry’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 5-8 p.m., at the O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, where morning prayers will be said Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m., Thursday, in St. Roch Catholic Church.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franciscan Hospice House or to St. Roch School.  Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.  Visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.