Carol Ann Collins Templeton

Carol Ann Collins Templeton p assed away Saturday, November 26, 2022. She was born May 3, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Spencer and Helen Collins.

Carol is survived by her four children, Jane Nichols (John), John Templeton (Dedee), David Templeton (Jennifer), and Ann Wright (Mark); grandchildren Catherine Nichols Corsaro (Daniel), Caroline Nichols Thompson (Ashton), Isabella, John and Joseph Templeton, Spencer and Katherine Templeton, Thomas and Elizabeth Wright; two great- grandchildren, Giovanni and Vincenzo Corsaro; her sister-in-law, Pauline Anshutz, and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly sixty-three years, Thomas Edward Templeton, as well as her parents and brother, Jack Collins.

Carol was a Wiley “Red Streak,” and formed an enduring bond with her dear girl friends - the “YaYas.” These dynamos sustained and nurtured their lifelong friendship for over seventy years; celebrating through trips, visits, and more recently, zoom calls. A few will be awaiting to welcome her in heaven. High school is also where she met her future husband, Tom, although he was a Garfield “Purple Eagle.”

Carol was a proud Indiana University Bloomington graduate. She and Tom enjoyed a lifetime of cheering on their Hoosiers at football games and tailgating with their kids, grandkids and all of their friends.

While at IU, Carol became a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, the first Greek letter fraternity for women. “Theta” remained a huge part of her life, forging lasting friendships, and serving as president of the house corporation board as an alumna. She was so thrilled that both her daughters, four granddaughters and four nieces were also Thetas.

After receiving her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education, Carol taught for several years before she and Tom settled down in the Collett Park neighborhood to raise their family.

Known for her giving spirit, Carol was an active community volunteer, having served in the PTOs and booster clubs of her children’s schools. With more than one stint as President, she served Collett and Ouabache Elementary, Chauncey Rose Middle School and North High School. She was a member of the League of Terre Haute and Children’s Theatre Board, and also appointed by Judge Hugh McQuillan to serve on the Terre Haute Welfare Board. As her children grew older, Carol often worked as a substitute teacher, and later at Mimi’s Boutique.

Carol served on the boards of the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra and Wabash Valley Art Spaces. She also enjoyed being a member of the 100+ Women Who Care Giving Circle of the Wabash Valley Community Foundation. She and her husband Tom were both active members of Maple Avenue United Methodist Church, where Carol taught Sunday school.

Fitness and exercise were a passion for Carol. Anyone who encountered her in the gym felt the inspiration and encouragement she shared with all. Thank you to the many stories shared with the family about her dedication and the motivation provided for others. Many considered her a role model when it came to good health and hard work!

It is often said that Carol never met a stranger! She was a caring, fun friend with a compassionate ear, and a warm heart that emanated kindness. She was genuinely interested in learning about everyone she met and frequently had their life story in the first 15 minutes of knowing them. Her circle of friends included people of all ages and from all walks of life. Carol was devoted to her family and friends and left a lasting legacy of generosity and service. Carol Collins Templeton, a friend to all, and quintessential family matriarch, will be missed and always remembered with love and admiration by everyone fortunate to have been touched by her.

Visitation will be Friday, December 2, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S 25th St, Terre Haute, IN 47803, with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 3, at Maple Avenue United Methodist Church, 1203 Maple Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47804.

If so desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carol’s favorite charities: the Vigo County Education Foundation, P.O. Box 3703, Terre Haute, IN 47803, the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, Wabash Valley Art Spaces, or the charity of your choice.

The family owes much gratitude to Lynette Tofaute, who provided such loving care and friendship, as well as Hospice of the Wabash Valley, and the Visiting Nurses Association.

Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .