Frances T (Tapella) Huff

Frances Tapella Huff, 92 of Indianapolis, passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2018.  She was born on March 20, 1926 in Herrin, Illinois, to the late John and Giovanina Tapella, immigrants from Cuggiono, Milano, Italy.

Frances was devoted to the field of education and received both her B.A. and M.A. in English from Southern Illinois University.  She was an instructor at Southern Illinois University for 17 years; an Assistant Professor at the University of Evansville for 2 years; a teacher at Southport High School for 4 years; and English Department Chairperson at Perry Meridian High School for 14 years, retiring in 1987.  She was a Hoosier English Teacher of the Year in 1985.  She tutored a short time after retirement.  Her main hobbies were reading and traveling.  Frances served as a past president of the 96th Infantry Auxiliary, a national group for the wives of WWII army veterans.  Mostly, she thoroughly enjoyed being a grandmother. 

Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Robert D. Huff; brothers, Charles, David and George Tapella; and an infant daughter, Janice Catherine.  Survivors include her children, John Stephen Huff, M.D., Susan (Dan) Constantino; siblings, William (Pat) Tapella and Catherine Tanner; sister-in-law, Betty Bryant; grandchildren, Martin and William Huff, Jenna, Anthony, Demetrio, Vincent and Natalie Constantino; great-grandchildren, Hailey and Karmin McGuire; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. 

Family and friends will gather on Monday, May 7, 2018 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services, 1458 S. Meridian St.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 8 at 11 a.m. in St. Mark Catholic Church, 535 E. Edgewood Ave., with visitation one hour prior to Mass starting at 10 a.m. in the church.  Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. 

Fran’s family would like to thank the staff of Transition Hospice for their loving care and support.

Memorial contributions have been suggested to the Perry Township Education Foundation, 6548 Orinoco Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227.  To leave the family an online condolence, please visit:  www.LauckFuneralHome.com

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