Catherine Ann Bielski

Catherine Ann Bielski, née Delahanty, passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana after a protracted illness on October 16, 2019. She was 81 years of age. Catherine was born in Weehawken, New Jersey on May 1, 1938. She grew up in an Irish family of engineers and teachers. She met her husband Leonard E. Bielski as an undergraduate at Fordham University. After graduating in 1959 she went on to wed her best friend, Len, and together they raised a family of five children who went on to successful careers in Medicine, Law, Education, and church ministry. Cathy was kind and nurturing. When someone said goodbye to Cathy, they did so knowing they were loved and appreciated. She taught her children to be fair minded, seek justice, and to love others. She is survived by her children; Leonard J. Bielski MD, 56 and his wife, Suzanne K. Bielski MD; Edward G. Bielski Esq. 54; Christine A. Batora, 44 and her husband, Robert A. Batora; and Mary Elizabeth M. Bielski, 40. Her husband, Leonard E. Bielski, and third child, Catherine E. Dubois, preceded her in death, passing away in 2015 and 2004 respectively. Cathy was blessed with nine grandchildren; Benjamin E. Bielski, Margaret C. Bielski, Caitlin A. Dubois, Sarah E. Bielski, William A. Bielski, Lauren E. Dubois, Lydia G. Bielski, Joseph L. Batora, and Aaron A. Batora. In 1967, Cathy and Len moved their young family from Queens, New York to make a home in Indianapolis, Indiana. Cathy’s love of the Lord was reflected in all aspects of her life. She taught theology at Cathedral High School, Roncalli High School, and Marion University. She was a chaplain at St. Vincent’s Hospital. She was a pastoral minister for the disabled at St. Vincent’s New Hope. She served as Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Grace Catholic parish. These positions underscore her compassionate nature and love of learning. While employed and raising her family, she still found time to obtain a Masters of Divinity at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Throughout her life, Cathy was deeply invested in the Catholic Church. As a parishioner, she was actively involved at St. Luke, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and Holy Spirit at Geist Catholic parishes. She took on roles sponsoring teens in CYO, teaching bible study, publishing the parish news letter, singing in choir, leading retreats, lecturing at mass, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister at mass. She was perennially involved in the Women’s Cursillo. Her involvement with the Charismatic Movement meant that Catholic mass was regularly celebrated for small groups in her living room. Even in retirement, Catherine remained active as a council member at her assisted living residence. Cathy lived a rich life of faith and service. Friends and family will gather from 4:30 - 7:30 pm on Thursday, October 24 at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, Indianapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on October 25, 2019 at Holy Spirit at Geist Catholic Church followed by a Catholic Funeral Rite at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. There will be a reception immediately after the interment at Holy Spirit at Geist Catholic Church. Flowers or donations to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul are welcome.