Harriet Heywood Stambaugh

Harriet Heywood Stambaugh of Indianapolis passed away peacefully in her sleep July 2, 2026, only a few weeks short of her 100th birthday.

Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts July 28, 1926, to Harriet Fuge Heywood and Francis Cady Heywood, she was the second of 6 children.

Harriet is survived by her 3 children: Susan Tolbert (Bill), Ann Stambaugh Catalano (John), and Thomas Stambaugh (Bob); her four grandchildren: William Tolbert (Laura), Sara Cockerham (Josh), Christian Neely (Aaren), and Daniel Tolbert (Robin), as well as 16 great grandchildren, her sister Mary Jean Tedrow and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, The Rev. David Alan Stambaugh, her daughter, Sara Jane, sisters Isabelle Rhodes, Jane Brown, Marjorie Brothers and brother Francis Heywood.

She was a graduate of Northfield School and Oberlin College where she met her husband.

Harriet enjoyed the adventures of skiing and sailboat racing before raising 3 children and teaching elementary school, while being a full-time minister’s wife.

She received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Butler University and taught more than 26 years at schools around Indianapolis, including Immaculate Heart and Sunny Heights in Warren Township.

Harriet was a charter member of both National Association of Professional Educators and Indiana Professional Educators Sigma Delta Pi.

She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church for 58 years where she was active in St. Monica’s Guild, Trinity Women and Madrigal Guild.

Harriet volunteered for community projects including DaySpring, Mid-North Food Pantry and Mid-North Shepherd Center where she served on the board.

One of her favorite pastimes was attending family reunions in Gloucester, MA and watching sunsets on the cape.

The family is grateful for the loving care Harriet received from our dear friend, Leona Moore. We also wish to thank Guardian Angel Hospice and the many others who have been a special part of her life.