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Mary Lempke Obituary
Mary B. Lempke, 92, of West Lafayette, passed away at 10:00 pm, Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at her residence.
Born July 28, 1923 in Picture Rocks, PA, she was the daughter of the late Joel R. and Martha A. Baker. After graduating from Milne High School, in Albany, NY., Mary obtained a B.A. of History from the University of Michigan and then a Master of Nursing degree from Yale University.
She married Dr. Robert E. Lempke on June 5, 1949 in the Yale University Chapel in New Haven, CT.
Mary worked as a registered nurse and child birth educator for many years. Influenced by Grantly Dick-Read and Helen Headman at Yale, she brought Natural Childbirth to Indiana in 1949.
Mary founded Maternity Family League and the Childbirth Education Training Association (CETA) in Indianapolis. Published the audio program "Preparing for Childbirth" as well as a series for instructors. She was also a founding member of the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA).
Mary was active in the League of Women Voters, was an avid tennis player, and loved ballroom dancing, gardening, and nature.
Surviving with her beloved dog Scamp is her husband of 66 years, Robert E. Lempke, Sr. MD, and their children, Robert Lempke, Jr. MD of West Lafayette, Martha B. Lempke of West Lafayette, Paul D. Lempke (wife: Susie) of Chicago, and Kari Lempke of West Lafayette; along with their 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death with her parents are her brother, Robert Joel Baker, and sister, Florence Vandalia Wall.
An open house celebrating her life will be held Saturday, April 2 from 1-3 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 333 Meridian St., West Lafayette.
Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Lempke
Sponsored by Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc..
4 Entries
Carol Harrison
March 31, 2016
I did not know her but reading about her, she seemed to be a GREAT LADY ahead of her time! Thank God for her involement in life. HE HAS AN ORGANIZER UP IN HEAVEN 2 HELP HIM WITH HIS WORK If everyone was like her, this would be a better world! God bless all her family during this sad time, but she will be waiting for you in heaven. Just hope I meet her one day up there! Amen!
March 29, 2016
Martha, I am thinking of you and want to extend my condolences to you and your family. Sometimes words seem so inadequate but you should know that others care and share in your loss. Sincerest sympathy, Nita Stickrod
WILLIAM PLATT
March 29, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc.
March 30, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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