Obituary of Molly Barbara Saunders LeHew Sedam Kurpis

Molly Barbara Saunders LeHew Sedam Kurpis, 94, of Avon, IN passed away on July 18, 2023. Molly was born in Hampshire, Portsmouth UK England on April 12, 1929 to George Thomas Bedford Saunders and Gladys Muriel Hoggatt Saunders, both preceding her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Ralph B. LeHew and Harold J. Sedam; daughter Maureen June LeHew; grandson Robin Joseph Wheeler; great granddaughter Katherine Elizabeth Lee; son-in-law Morris (Morry) Wheeler; brother Ken (Pat) Saunders; and sisters Joan (John) Moody, Eileen (Robert) Denis, and Brenda (Michael) Woolvin.   

In 1947, Molly came to America (USA) from Portsmouth, England on the ship Queen Elizabeth to marry her soldier and love Ralph B. LeHew. Together they had seven daughters.

A young Molly lived through WWII in England. She was in the Women’s British Land Army. Here is the US Molly was involved with the USO meeting and greeting soldiers at Indianapolis International Airport. Molly was a member of the Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association TBPA.

Molly worked at Hendrick’s County Memorial Hospital as Labor Delivery Assistant. Molly liked to be referred to as the Queen and enjoyed talking about England and Princess Diana. She enjoyed trips to Nashville, Indiana and camping with her husband Adolph. She was a past member of the Washington Street Presbyterian Church and now a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Indianapolis, IN. Molly sang in the church choirs, volunteered in the school cafeteria and attended bible study. Molly loved singing and was a member of the Garden City Mother’s Singers. She also was involved at the Hawthorne Community Center.

Molly found enjoyment when listening to music, reading the newspaper, arts and crafts, puzzles and church. She loved celebrating holidays, Birthday’s and Christmas was her favorite.

Family and friends were an important part of her life. She adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and would ask daily, “How are the children”

Molly is survived by her daughters Sheila (Thomas) Hudgins, Dawn Wheeler, Rachel (Gary) Silbernagel, Maria (Steve) Knapp, Colleen (Scott) Lee, and Laura (Thomas) Brouillard; brothers John (Jenny) Saunders and Jim (Ann) Saunders; twenty grandchildren; thirty-four great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces. Molly was loved by so many and will be missed by all, but as a family, they will miss her deeply.

In lieu of Flowers memorial contributions may be made to the USO PO Box 96860 Washington, DC 20077 or to St. Gabriel Catholic Church 6000 W. 34^th Street Indianapolis, IN 46224.