Louise Elias Firsich

Louise Elias Firsich died on Sunday, January 10th at her daughter Laura Firsich Arnett's home, in Indianapolis. She was 75 years old. Daughter of Asa George Elias and Marie (Joseph) Elias. Sister to Joseph Elias (Mary) of Buffalo NY. Wife of Louis George Firsich (deceased). Mother of Michael Louis Firsich, Karen Firsich Ruggles (Bryan), and Laura Firsich Arnett (Andy). Grandmother of 9.
Louise grew up in Buffalo NY. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy. Louise left Buffalo to attend Marian University in Indianapolis, IN, the home town of her mother. She graduated with a degree in social sciences. She met her husband Louis at Marian. They were married on Saturday, September 29, 1962, at St Andrews Catholic Church in Buffalo, NY.
Louise started her career immediately after graduation from Marian working at Catholic Charities of Indianapolis. She then spent a number of years raising her three children, returning to her career after obtaining a Master's degree in social work at Indiana University. Following graduation she worked at Gallahue Mental Health Services. In addition to her work at Gallahue, she taught in the Indiana University School of Social Work as an Adjunct Professor. In 1991 she started her private practice as a family and marriage counselor and continued that work up until her death.
Louise was nurtured in her Catholic faith through her grammar school, high school, and college education. She was very active in a number of church ministries throughout her adult life. She was instrumental in bringing Marriage Encounter to Indianapolis in the mid-1970's. Most recently, the major focus of her church ministry has been in St. Louis De Montfort parish, where she did marriage preparation and coordinated Christ Renews His Parish (CHRP) weekends.
Louise's other interests included quilting and knitting. However, her primary focus in life was her family. She dearly loved her grandchildren and spent much of her later years enjoying their company.
Visitation will be held at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, 12010 Allisonville Road, Fishers, Indiana, on Thursday, January 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Louis De Montfort, 11441 Hague Road, Fishers, Indiana, on Friday, January 15th beginning with visitation from 9:00 - 10:00a.m. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00a.m. Burial services will immediately follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 9001 Haverstick Road, Indianapolis, Indiana. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Nicholas Fund of St. Louis De Montfort, 11441 Hague Road, Fishers, Indiana 46038.