Judith Lynn Heckerman Carmichael

Judith Lynn Heckerman Carmichael, 73, Carmel, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2017. She was born May 12, 1943, in Washington D.C., the daughter of the late Arthur and Marjorie (McGraw) Heckerman.

Judy’s family moved to Fort Thomas, Kentucky when she was very young. She graduated from Highlands High School where she was a student leader and cheerleader. Judy attended the University of Cincinnati where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1965 with honors for both academics and service to the University.

It was at the University of Cincinnati where Judy met the love of her life, Dan Carmichael. She was the sweetheart of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. Judy married Dan on August 26, 1967, in Cincinnati. She taught first and second grades in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. She loved teaching children and was much loved by her students.

Judy was a truly devoted homemaker and mother to her three children. The family relocated on several occasions, first to Indianapolis, then to Washington DC and then back to Carmel. While in Washington DC, she was able to re-connect with her family roots and develop wonderful connections with extended family.

Judy loved music and was a talented pianist and organist, playing for several church choirs. She also was active with the Sentimental Sounds singing group. Judy loved quilting, sewing, needle-working, knitting and doll-making. Her many and varied fabric creations were true works of art. Judy loved animals including her two dogs, Roxie, and Heidi, and loved identifying the numerous birds in her yard.

In addition to her hobbies, she was a past-president of the Indianapolis Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and through her love of teaching was an English-as-a-second-language tutor with Indy Reads. Judy’ bright blue eyes and radiant smile would light up a room. She drew people to her through her warmth and genuine interest in others.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Dan Carmichael; three children, Karalyn (John) Bromage, Kep (Michelle) Carmichael, and Elizabeth (Mike) Solazzo; and grandchildren, Grace, Matthew, and Felicity Bromage, Alexandra, Cameron, and Callaway Carmichael, and Andrew, Tara, Michael, Deneyse, Daniel, and Mia Solazzo; and a brother, Donald A. (Anne) Heckerman of Akron, Ohio. She was preceded in passing by two granddaughters, Katherine Carmichael and Hope Bromage.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2017, at Flanner and Buchanan – Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.