Janet Patterson

Mary Janet (Haigerty) Patterson, born October 1, 1935, in Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her grateful family and sustained by a lifetime of faith in Christ.

A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, Janet lived a life defined by love, faith, and devotion to her husband, children, family, and friends. She grew up with seven siblings on Indianapolis's Eastside and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1953. Before marriage, Janet began an administrative career with the federal government at Fort Harrison, a career that paused and resumed over the years as she devoted herself to raising five children. She later served as a letter carrier for the Greenfield Post Office for more than a decade and retired from federal service in 1996 at Fort Myer, Virginia.

Janet's true calling was motherhood, however. As she often said, "It's the only career I ever wanted, and the best job there is."

She and her husband, Jim, shared 68 years of marriage and raised five children: Jim Patterson (Pam), Elaine Patterson, Julie Burris (Bill), David Patterson, and Brad Patterson. She is survived by her brother, Joe Haigerty; sister, Jeanine Adkins; her children; and five grandchildren: Olivia Sappenfield (Mike), James Patterson, Laura Patterson, and Charlotte and Haig Patterson.

Janet cherished time spent with family. She and Jim enjoyed many years of fishing and boating on Brookville Lake and Geist Reservoir, hosting family and friends along the way. She was the sweetest card shark to ever pick up a deck of cards, always rooted for the underdog, loved decorating for every holiday, enjoyed every social gathering, and treasured time around the dining room table after a shared meal.

For more than 20 years, Janet volunteered at Riley Children's Hospital, helping families navigate the facility and holding infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She also delivered Meals on Wheels for more than a decade and even served as a Cub Scout den mother. Her acts of love and service are too numerous to list.

Janet will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love for her family, extended family, and countless devoted friends will never be forgotten. Our Butterfly is gone, but we have gained an Angel.

She now joins her beloved husband, Jim; her mother, Cecilia; her sisters, Barbara, Judy, and Karen; and her brothers, Tom and David, in heaven.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lakeisha Woods, a dear friend and caregiver whose kindness brought comfort, companionship, and joy to Janet's life.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Indiana Funeral Care East, 1307 N. Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 6, at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish at Geist Catholic Church, 10350 Glaser Way, Fishers, with an additional visitation beginning at 10 a.m. The celebration of Janet's life will continue with a luncheon at Holy Spirit Parish, where family and friends are invited to share happy memories. Entombment at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Rd., will immediately follow the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Janet's name to Riley Children's Foundation.