Sophie Ann Spaulding

After a courageous eight-month-long battle with cancer, Sophie Ann Spaulding answered the Lord’s call and went home to be an angel, on January 9, 2018.  Sophie’s greatest gift, as well as reward, was being a mother to Katherine and Joe and grandmother of Logan and Lola Spaulding. She is “Nana” to Lola and “Nena” to Logan who will miss her hugs, smiles, kisses and encouragements.

Born in Gary, IN, on Aug. 27, 1951, she was the daughter of Daniel and Sally Lachowiec, deceased, and sister of Stephen Lachowiec.  Sophie was married to husband, William (Bill) Spaulding in 1973. They enjoyed 44 years together, after meeting at Indiana University at a dorm mixer.  She graduated from IU with a degree in Sociology in 1973.

Upon graduation, Sophie served on the staff of U.S. Senator Marlowe Cook (R) KY in Washington, D.C.  Relocating to Indianapolis, she was a real estate broker and property manager.  Next, she took on the rewarding work as a “mom”; she specialized in being a “soccer mom”, a “swim-team” mom, and a “baseball and tennis” mom.  She unselfishly supported Bill in his corporate career hosting business clients at many Indy 500, Colts, and college sports events.

Sophie loved gardening.  Daily, she nourished her flowers, pulled weeds in the beds and brought the delectable fragrances into her home to enjoy.  Walking on the Monon Trail got her in-shape to splash along the shoreline of Sanibel Island, a favorite spot to visit in early Spring, as a welcome respite from the Hoosier chill. Several years ago she and Bill discovered the Great American Songbook competition at the Center for the Performing Arts. The public classes and final concert became must-see entertainment.  However, she would have been more excited had the artists performed Beatles music.  She was hooked after attending two Beatles concerts in Chicago—thrilled to be one of the screaming girls in the faraway stands!

Along with the aforementioned family, Sophie is survived by sister-in-law, Krystyna Lachowiec, “special children”, Brittany Burris and Willie Miller, and best friends, Kim Harting and Luann Peck.

Visitation begins at 11:00 am and services follow at 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 13, 2018, at Flanner Buchanan-Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN.

Memorial gifts to remember Sophie may be made to Down Syndrome Indiana (www.dsindiana.org), Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital Indianapolis.