Carmen E. Cumbarelis

Carmen E. Cumbarelis of Indianapolis, died March 6, 2013 at the age of 91. Carmen was born on a small farm in northeast Arkansas to a large family. She later lived in Texas before returning to Arkansas where she became a beautician and married locally stationed soldier Nick Cumbarelis who shortly after was shipped off to fight in North Africa. Carmen lived in Europe for several years after the war and also lived in Hawaii for three years as a military spouse, working at the base commissary where she rose to head cashier. She later became an administrative assistant at the US Army's Finance Center at Fort Benjamin Harrison. Carmen also traveled extensively in her life visiting, among other places, Alaska, Hawaii, and many U.S. states, as well as taking several cruises with her friends. She also was an avid reader, enjoyed spending time at home and maintaining her garden, and watching baseball and golf on television as well as following her two son's sporting activities as they were growing up. Carmen had a lifelong love of bowling and participated in several bowling leagues over the years maintaining a solid high average. She also received recognition from her workplace for participating in intramural corporate walking races, winning several times in her age division. In her later years she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and reminiscing over her many photo albums. Carmen is survived by her sons Stan S. (Marian) Cumbarelis and Glen C. (Olivia) Cumbarelis; grandsons Mike D. (Danielle) Brooking, Mark A. (Jenny) Brooking and Nathan Cholewa; granddaughter-in-law Carrie VanVelse; great-grandchildren Devon, Paige, Alec, Ryleigh, and Samantha Brooking; great-great granddaughter Julia Brooking; and siblings Mary Lee Mann and Doris Gaye Morris. She was preceded in death by her husband Nick Cumbarelis; grandson Matthew R. VanVelse; and siblings Charles Spence, Talmadge Orville Spence, Walter Britten Spence, and Jewel Harvill. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 10 from 12 to 2 PM at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 E Washington St, Indianapolis with a Service beginning at 2 PM. Private interment will take place at Washington Park East Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kindred Alzheimer's Program. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan