Mariana Elpers

Mariana Elpers, age 93, of Evansville, completed her journey on earth and passed away peacefully on March 18, 2013 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, surrounded by her family. Mariana was born June 26, 1919 in St. Wendel, IN, the eldest child of the late Anthony and Severina (Brune) Martin. Mariana and her late husband, Joseph, were married on May 24, 1941 and were longtime members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vanderburgh County. She was a member of the St. Ann Altar Society, the Senior Citizen program and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Mariana was a loving and gracious wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother; always putting the needs of others ahead of her own. She was a woman of strong faith who accepted the joys and sorrows in her life with confidence that “God was with her” in all things and she was ever grateful for His blessings. Her strength and perseverance were truly inspirational. Her warm and welcoming personality endeared her to all who knew her. Mariana appreciated the beauty of nature and enjoyed flowers and gardening. She loved music, dancing, quilting, embroidery work, playing cards and especially time spent with her family and friends. Mariana was preceded in death by her husband Joseph John Elpers in June of 1995; by sons, Joseph Anthony Elpers in December of 2009 and Jerome Michael Elpers in July of 1994; a grandson, Donald Will, Jr. in July of 1991; two infant grandchildren born to Bernard and Aline Elpers, Brian in March of 1968 and Lisa in September of 1968; by a brother, Anthony Martin in October of 1993 and a brother-in-law, Ray Voelker in July of 2007. Surviving Mariana are four daughters, Kathleen (Donald) Will, Eileen (Jack) Rausch, Carole (Wesley) Ham and Teresa (Chuck) Roberts, all of Evansville; five sons, Bernard (Aline) Elpers, John (Lori) Elpers, both of Haubstadt, Eugene (Carol) Elpers, Rick (Pauline) Elpers and Ronald Elpers, all of Evansville; twenty seven grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters, Wilma Voelker and Imelda (Bob) Woodward, both of Evansville and Hilda (Vernon) Schaefer of Haubstadt; brother and sister-in-law, Francis and Mary Elizabeth Martin of Poseyville; sister-in-law, Mary Jean Martin of Poseyville. Many nieces, nephews and their families also mourn her passing. Mariana’s family extends a special thanks to her caregivers; her granddaughters, Lisa Robertson, Jenal Vessels and Janice Jones. The family would also like to thank the Deaconess Hospice staff for their loving care and compassion, especially Sharon, Tammie and Lori and to the Alzheimer’s Association and SWIRCA for the unique services they provided. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vanderburgh County, Rev. Eugene Schroeder officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 22, 2013 from 2:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where there will be a memorial service conducted by the church at 6:00 P.M. Friends may also visit with the family from 9:30 A.M. until service time on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Deaconess Hospice or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Mariana Elpers

June 26, 1919 - March 19, 2013