Elizabeth Anne (Pappano) Maddox, age 82, of Richmond, Indiana, died October 19, 2022. Born January 26, 1940, in Richmond, Indiana, to Joseph and Carmela Gervasio Pappano, Elizabeth was a lifelong resident of Richmond. Being a first-generation American born of Italian immigrant parents, she was extremely proud of her Italian heritage. She also felt privileged to have had the unique experience of growing up in a multi-ethnic neighborhood in Richmond where many lifelong friends were made. She felt her life was greatly enriched by sharing the various cultures of those who lived in her unique “north end” Richmond neighborhood.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles W. “Bill” Maddox, her beloved daughter, Jane Ann Maddox; her parents, brothers Rev. William A. Pappano and Anthony Pappano, and brother-in-law Rocco Vecera.
Survived by sons John and Jim (Beckie); daughters Lisa (Kerry) Oliver, Angela (Eric) Dudas, and Maria (Andy) Pipenger. Also survived by grandchildren Alex (Casey), Alyssa, Alaina, and Arianna Dudas, and Ryan, Colten (Monica), Trey, Brayden, and Preston Pipenger; great-grandson Alexander Dudas, Jr. Also survived by sister, Mary Rose Vecera, and brother Joseph (Betty) Pappano; sisters-in-law Barbara Rumple, Donna Anderson, and Katie Pappano; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special “cugina” Rosemarie Huber.
Elizabeth was a 1958 graduate of Richmond Senior High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962 from Mt. St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, OH. She taught at Richmond High School from 1962-1965 before deciding to become a stay-at-home mom for a number of years. She also held part-time jobs in childcare and sales, then retired after 20 years as a Family Case Coordinator with the Indiana Division of Family Resources.
She and Bill were married on June 22, 1963. The marriage was officiated by her newly-ordained brother, “Father Bill.” They enjoyed 58 years together-rearing their large family in their “fixer-upper” home “by the park” where many special memories were formed by all-especially of the 55+ Fourth of July celebrations enjoyed on their “ringside seat” front lawn with family and friends.
She was an avid flower gardener and loved the great variety of flowers she planted in her large backyard, most of which were given to her by family and friends. She rarely purchased flowers, as she enjoyed her “heritage” flowers recalling special memories of those who gave them to her. She often remarked that “every flower had a story.”
Elizabeth also enjoyed carrying on the four-generation family tradition of preparing Sunday dinner for her immediate family, usually pasta and meatballs, using the family recipe. This was always a fun afternoon where everyone could catch up on the week’s events. When friends lamented that their families rarely visited, her usual response was, “If you cook, they will come.”
At the urging of special friend Catherine “Toots” Marino, Elizabeth initiated an effort to document and preserve the history of Italian immigration to the Richmond, Indiana area. This resulted in her co-authoring a publication to this effect, along with her childhood friend, Teresa.
She was proud to have been a lifelong “cradle to grave” member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she was always grateful to the nuns and priests who provided the religious and educational foundation she cherished for a lifetime. At one time she served as president of the former St. Mary Ladies Guild and was a member of the former St. Mary Board of Education during the early school consolidation talks.
She loved genealogy and spent many hours tracing and documenting her family history. She loved each of her immediate and extended immigrant family members and was forever grateful for this gift that was given to her.
Liturgy of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Father Sengole Gnanaraj will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary.
(Always with forward-thinking mind, Elizabeth wrote this obituary to share the importance of her heritage).