Paula Ann Slinger

Paula Ann Kaperak Slinger, 77 formerly of Terre Haute, briefly residing in Seattle, Washington, and returning home to Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, July 16, 2026.

Paula was born December 8, 1948 in Terre Haute to Paul and Leona Kaperak. She attended St. Ann grade school and Schulte High School graduating in 1966. She entered the Sisters of Providence at St. Mary of the Woods College earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education in 1972. She earned a Master of Science in Music at the University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana in 1976.

Paula was united in marriage to Michael Slinger on October 21, 1978, in Indianapolis, Indiana. They were blessed with the birth of their daughter Brigid on January 30, 1982.

Paula was an accomplished pianist and organist. She also played accordion, guitar, ukulele, standup bass and numerous other instruments. She performed onstage, conducted pit orchestras and entertained at nursing homes, 4-H events, CYO competitions, Knights of Columbus Christmas Parties, and many other events. She taught music at both Ladywood High School and St. Agnes High School prior to their combining. She also taught at Allisonville Elementary School and Holy Spirit Catholic School. Paula was an active member of the National Pastoral Musicians for many years. She became the Director of Liturgical Music at Holy Catholic Church, a labor of love for 28 years. She was a certified Ecclesial Lay Minister for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Her leadership skills were invaluable to the many committees and campaigns on which she served in her home parish of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. And as a Eucharistic Lay Minister, Paula visited many homebound parishioners over several years. In her compassion for the poor and homeless, she volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul Pantry, and Holy Family Shelter.

In August of 2010, Paula was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease against which she courageously fought with the aid of an excellent medical staff and the support and love of the Rock Steady Boxing community comprised of other “Parkies”, coaches, volunteers, and corner partners. She enjoyed musicals, singing, dancing, cooking, creative crafts, gardening and most of all eating strawberry ice cream sundays and Fannie May Candies!

Above all Paula was a woman of deep faith from which she drew her serenity, strength, courage, guidance, and the peace of mind and soul that radiated in her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. Through every season of her life, Paula inspired others with quiet strength and unwavering perseverance. She taught those around her invaluable lessons about compassion, patience, gratitude, and the beauty found in life’s simplest moments. Her life was a testament to the fact that every person is created with immeasurable worth and purpose.

Paula is lovingly survived by her, Michael, her daughter, Brigid Slinger Bowers (Michael), her grandchildren Leona and Samuel, her sister, Patty Kaperak Talen (Tim ), her sister-in-law Kathy Slinger Tillett (Tom), her sister-in-law Linda Slinger, and her three nieces and three nephews, eight great nieces and four great nephews and numerous extended-family relatives and a special friend, Mary Kay Kress.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Leona (Barron) Kaperak, her parents-in-law Arthur and Roberta Denk Slinger, sister-in-law Susan Slinger Clemmer, and nephew Peter Joseph Talen.

Friends and family may call at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 7243 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana on August 8, 2026 beginning at 10:00 am. The Mass celebrating Paula’s life will follow at 12:00pm. Burial will then take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may then return to Holy Spirit Catholic Church for further celebration with a meal.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many physicians, nurses, caregivers, therapists, teachers, hospice staff, churches, friends, and loved ones whose faithful care, prayers, compassion, and kindness supported Paula and our family throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution one of Paula’s favorite charities (listed below) or to any charity of your choice.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church, https://www.holyspirit-indy.org/

St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, https://www.saintmeinrad.edu/

Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary, https://www.bishopsimonbrute.org

Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, http://spsmw.org/

Saint Vincent de Paul Society, http://www.svdpindy.org/

Rock Steady Boxing, Inc., http://www.rocksteadyboxing.org/

Parkinson’s Foundation, http://www.parkinsons.org

Michael J Fox Foundation, https://give.michaeljfox.org/