Margaret J. Hand

Margaret J. Hand, a longtime resident of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away recently. She is remembered for her distinguished career in public service and her lasting impact on the Tippecanoe County judicial system, particularly in the area of juvenile justice.

Judge Hand served as a Tippecanoe County Juvenile Court Judge, where she devoted much of her career to protecting the welfare of children and strengthening outcomes for families involved in the court system. Known for her thoughtful, compassionate, and principled approach to the law, she believed deeply in rehabilitation, advocacy, and the importance of giving young people the opportunity to succeed.

One of Judge Hand’s most significant professional achievements was her instrumental role in establishing the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program in Tippecanoe County. Under her leadership and encouragement, the program grew to involve dozens of trained volunteers who served as voices for children navigating abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings. Her efforts helped ensure that the best interests of children were more fully represented in court, leaving a legacy that continues to benefit the community today.

She was given the Government/Politics Award at the Salute to Women event of 1987, and the next year was awarded the Lillian Kaplan Award for outstanding contributions to Human Services. In 1991 Judge Hand received the Robert J. Kinsey Award for outstanding judicial service and support for the children and youth of Indiana. That same year she was chosen Judge of the Year by the Indiana Correction Association.

In 1993 she was the Indiana Bar Association's Women in the Law honoree, and two years later was voted Citizen of the Year by the Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. In 1998 she was the Vocation Service Award recipient from the Lafayette Rotary Club.

Throughout her career, Judge Hand was recognized for her innovative and community-focused approach to juvenile justice, supporting programs that emphasized accountability, rehabilitation, and family support over punishment alone. Her work helped foster collaboration between the courts, social services, and community organizations, strengthening the local juvenile justice system as a whole.

Margaret J. Hand’s career reflected her unwavering commitment to fairness, service, and the well-being of vulnerable children. Her professional legacy lives on through the programs she helped build, the lives she influenced, and the many colleagues and community members who benefited from her leadership and dedication.

Margaret is survived by her children, David Graham and Francie Doster; and her siblings, John Hand, Susie Hand Brundage, and Kevin Hand.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 16th, 2026 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM at Ripple & Company, located at 1007 Main St, Lafayette, IN 47901.