Elaine Clare Theisen, of Indianapolis, died June 1, at age 85. Born in Minneapolis, she lived in various Midwestern towns when young, including LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The graduate of Viterbo College in LaCrosse, she received a MA from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She edited college textbooks for Bobbs Merrill Co. in Indianapolis and taught English at high schools and colleges in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Colorado. Her love of music led her to become a member of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. She was an active member of the Association of Contemplative Sisters, and of Elder-Friendly Communities (NORC). She was also an active volunteer for many organizations, including her parish churches, the Interfaith Center, Denver Suicide Prevention Center, Nashville IN Food Pantry, and a nursing home. She was the doting companion to many well-loved cats.

She is survived by sisters, Ann (Mark) Varnau of Carmel and Carol (Don) Markos of Castro Valley, CA; and ten nephews and nieces. There will be calling at 1 pm on June 15^th at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 46^th and Illinois, followed by services at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boulevard Food Pantry (4202 Boulevard Place, Indpls, IN 46208) or the Association of Contemplative Sisters (29 Hickory Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912 or 301-891-7411).