Louise Peddycord

1946 - 2021

Louise Peddycord

Indianapolis - LOUISE PEDDYCORD

November 12, 1946 to February 9, 2021

On Tuesday, February 9, 2021, Louise Peddycord died at the age of 74 after courageously deciding to receive hospice care rather than pursue treatment for stage 4 cancer. Louise was born on November 12, 1946, to Lewis and Florence Kitts in Greeley, CO. She was married for 54 years to Clyde Peddycord, who she met in the third grade. As a teenager, Clyde once convinced Louise her kisses tasted like peppermint, and in retirement, he mischievously persuaded her that she was a year older than she actually was - a joke that lasted until her next birthday. Such was their fun. Throughout her final months and weeks, Louise repeatedly called Clyde her rock. They had two children, Chad and Jill.

Throughout her life, Louise demonstrated a willingness to face sad and challenging circumstances head-on. She drew upon this capacity while working at G.H. Hermann Funeral Homes for over two decades, helping families pre-plan their funerals. She took immense satisfaction in providing practical help for end-of-life planning and was especially moved by the courage she witnessed when someone faced imminent death.

Louise was a friend of Lois W. for over 40 years, which provided a foundation for how she wanted to live her life. Many have benefitted from Louise's experience, strength and hope, and several have even credited knowing Louise as saving their lives when they lived in dark times. Louise was frank about her frailties and foibles, and dared others to love her anyhow, which we did.

In her retirement, Louise continued to help others as a hands-on volunteer at Community South Hospital, Hunger Inc., and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). She and her husband traveled beyond her expectations, seeing the world together. Her favorite trips were to China, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Dubbed "the cursing grandma" by her grandchildren, Louise wanted to be known as a character and didn't try to be anything she wasn't. She had a larger-than-life personality, boisterous and cackling laugh, and regaled people with lively, detailed stories that were mostly true. For those closest to her, Louise could be demanding with high standards and precise, detailed instructions for how to do just about anything around the house. She was very organized, had a system for everything, and trained her family - willingly or not - in the 'Louise Peddycord' method.

Feisty, fiercely loving, and independent, Louise was never afraid of conflict. She had strong opinions, yet her big, firm heart was always in the right place, and she was willing to listen to the other side. Louise actively followed politics and current events. She watched the Nixon Watergate Hearings while pregnant with her son, and when the TV broke down, she insisted her husband immediately buy a new one. She proudly participated in the Women's March in Washington, DC, in 2017, wrote frequently to her elected officials, served as a poll worker for many elections, and was thrilled she lived long enough to see the swearing in of a new President. As she watched the 2021 Celebrating America Inauguration Special, she teared up feeling hopeful for the future.

The speed of Louise's illness from diagnosis to death was staggering. She spent her final weeks characteristically yelling at the TV while watching IU basketball and the Indianapolis Colts, sharing family recipes with her daughter, saying good-bye to her many friends, and of course, giving explicit instructions for what to do with her ashes. Louise was touched by all who reached out to her with memories, support and friendship.

Louise was preceded in death by her father, Lewis, her mother, Florence and her sister, Lois. She is survived by her husband, Clyde, her two children and their spouses, Chad (Michele) and Jill (Steve), two grandchildren, Jacob and Katie, her sister, Linda (Cy) Whatley, and several nephews and their families.

A memorial service will be planned later in the year when it is safer to do so. The family suggests donations in Louise's honor to the Central Indiana Community Foundation, Attn: Season for Sharing,

615 N. Alabama Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204, or to the Indianapolis Information Services, 4627 N. Carvel Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46205. To share a memory of Louise or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.ghherrmann.com.