Carmen Eliasson Obituary: Carmen Eliasson, 77, departed this life to heaven on December 13, 2014. She was born August 21, 1937 in Beech Grove, Indiana to the late Louis and Martha (Mattie) Griffard. Carmen joined the Sisters of St. Joseph at Carondolette in St. Louis when she was just 16 and spent 25 years known as Sister Paul Marie, OSJ. During her time there, she graduated from Fontbonne College. Later she left the convent and embarked on a life that would take her to Vienna, Austria; Illinois and California; a life that included some great loves. Carmen spent 52 years as an educator and mentor to middle school children. The depth of her influence as a religion teacher here in Indianapolis—at St. Roch Catholic School from 1993-1998 and for the past 15 years at St. Mark Catholic School—can be felt by countless families within these parishes. Her classroom was a safe haven to children from all walks of life, a place where belief was always present and where Mrs. Eliasson connected children to their inner faith using language and methods that made sense in today’s world. She was her students’ biggest fan at CYO sporting events and school functions and in turn, they were hers. “It’s just being with the kids. They keep you young. It’s the interaction with them that I love most. They bring a lot of joy to my life,” Eliasson told The Criterion in an article celebrating her 50th year of teaching in 2013. Carmen was an impassioned Notre Dame fan and cheered on the Colts too. She loved to celebrate with a good meal, a bottle of wine, and listening to the music her family made around a campfire. Always the teacher, she enjoyed gathering her young nieces and nephews together to read, The Polar Express, and remind them to always believe. Of all things, her family was most precious to her. In addition to her current students at St. Mark, Carmen is survived by countless past students and friends; one sister, Juana Silcox; stepchildren, Teri Eliasson and DonPaul Eliasson; six nephews, two nieces, 13 great-nephews and great-nieces; ex-husband, Bob Eliasson; and long-time friend, Cathy Talbott. In addition to her parents, Carmen is preceded in death by a sister, Alicia Adams; niece, Theresa Silcox; and great-nephew, Zachary Silcox. A Funeral Mass begins at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 20 at St. Mark Catholic Church, 541 E. Edgewood Avenue, Indianapolis, with a meal to follow in Monsignor Schafer Hall. A Celebration of Life Service will also take place at noon, Sunday, December 21 at The Church Within, 1125 Spruce St. near Fountain Square in Indianapolis. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Carmen Eliasson Scholarship Fund for students at St. Mark Catholic School or to The Church Within Strong Kindness Fund.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:44:52 +0000
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