Jeanne Marie (Scanlan) Perry

JMJ

Jeanne Marie (Scanlan) Perry, 76, of Indianapolis, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, after conquering cancer – not through the cure of disease, but by the salvation of her soul and many other souls.

She was born on June 15, 1949, to the late Arnold (Arnie) and Hedwig (Hebby) Scanlan and preceded in death by her infant sister, Mary. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Thomas Wayne Perry; her six children, Jessica Foerster (Matt), Sarah McLaughlin (Mike), Ivy Caito (Louis), Georgi Norcross (Derek), Joseph Perry (Marie), and Eli Perry (Joanna); and three siblings, Peter Scanlan (Jan), Maggie Carson (Mike), and Mark Scanlan (Kate). She also leaves behind thirty-four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She graduated from Our Lady of Grace Academy in 1967, where she fondly remembers her time spent with friends at the all-girls school. She graduated from Ball State with a degree in art education, where she fell in love with making pottery. This led her to the hills of Appalachia where she lived and worked with the Glenmary Home Missioners and had the joy of teaching the locals her newfound skill.

Her true love, Tom, was calling - literally by long distance - and it soon became apparent that they should no longer be apart. Tom and Jeanne were married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Indianapolis on March 31, 1973. They had many adventures together and ultimately settled on the southside of Indianapolis where they raised their six children.  

Her involvement in the small start-up Catholic school of Lumen Christi ultimately led them back to Holy Rosary where she helped to found Lumen Christi High School. The school and parish have been a second home to Tom and Jeanne and the relationships they have formed there have been a source of joy  and fulfillment for them both.

In recent years, their cabin in Greene County has served as a gift to share Jeanne’s love of nature with Tom, her children, and her many grandchildren. Jeanne’s calming demeanor, warmth and big smile brought comfort and joy to everyone she encountered. Jeanne is a true matriarch to everyone that knew her. Her advice, “Heaven listens,” is now repeated by her loved ones.

She was a devoted advocate for the unborn and spent innumerable hours sidewalk counseling women in crisis pregnancies. Jeanne was fiercely loyal to her family and gave them all the greatest gift that can be given - the Holy Catholic Faith- which she exemplified up until her last moment.

Family and friends will gather on Thursday, October 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Lauck & Veldhof Funeral Home, 1458 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis. A rosary service will be held prior to visitation at 3:30 p.m. and all are welcome to join the family in praying for Jeanne.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 24 at 10 a.m. in Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 520 Stevens St., with a funeral meal following Mass in Priori Hall at the church, all are invited.  Burial will take place on Friday, October 24 at 4 p.m. in Mary’s Children Cemetery on the grounds of Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center, 8220 W. State Rd. 48, Bloomington, IN 47404. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been suggested to Lumen Christi Catholic School, 580 Stevens Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203.  Envelopes will be provided at all services. 

To sign the guest book or share an online condolence, please visit www.LauckFuneralHome.com

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