Obituary of Stephanie Hedegard

Stephanie Cowen Hedegard, 57, of Indianapolis, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2019. The cause of death was complications from cancer. A graduate of Bishop Luers High School (Fort Wayne) and the Purdue University College of Engineering, she had a successful career in healthcare management. She worked in management engineering at St. Vincent Hospital, in clinical improvement at VHA, Inc., and in training/development and operations at Covance Central Laboratories. Stephanie was recognized for her expertise in health information management and patient-focused care in her work and as a presenter at national conferences. An advocate for children with autism spectrum disorders, in recent years she worked at St. Andrew Nursery School and Crooked Creek Elementary School. Stephanie was an active volunteer as a tutor, teacher, and providing administrative support for a range of organizations.

She is survived by her husband Kurt, son Mason, and daughter Virginia, as well as her sisters Katherine of Indianapolis, Virginia of Tappan, New York, and Theresa (Peter) Crean of New Orleans. She was preceded in death by her father Philip Stephen Cowen and mother Barbara (Bennett) Cowen.

While receiving treatment Stephanie was a courageous participant in early phase clinical trials for two new cancer drugs. Stephanie’s family and friends are grateful for the care and support from staff at Naab Road Surgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Hematology Oncology of Indiana, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Hospital, Transitions Hospice, and Life's Journey of Avon Hospice.

Visitation will be at Stevens Mortuary (www.stevensmortuary.net), 5520 West 10^th Street, from 4pm to 7:30pm Friday, February 1^st with a rosary at 7:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:30am Saturday, February 2nd at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 3354 West 30^th Street, Indianapolis. The Rite of Committal will be at Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne, Indiana at a later date.

Stephanie and her family have designated the American Cancer Society and Best Buddies International for memorial contributions.