Sondra (Cornelius) Wellman

Alice Sondra Cornelius Wellman, was one of ten children born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Philip M. Cornelius and Cecilia Guedelhoefer Cornelius. She is survived by Carol Hutton (David, Melissa Mates (Mike), David Cornelius (Maureen) and John Cornelius (Ellen), 14 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard Wellman, her sisters Constance, Cornelia, Sally and Cecilia and her brother Philip M, Jr., known as Buddy.

Sondra holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a Master’s degree from Butler University.

Sondra loved children. Her vocation as an educator animated her work in the classroom as a teacher in the Indianapolis Public School system, in administration as longtime principal at St. Luke Catholic School and as mentor in her guiding and shaping student teachers later in her life.

Sondra was a quiet and humble philanthropist who generously supported charities and organizations committed to serving others. She offered her many gifts in time spent volunteering and investing herself in the service of others. She dedicated her financial resources to areas that lifted those most in need. Those who knew Sondra as a daughter, a sibling, an aunt, a godmother, a friend, a classmate, a neighbor or a colleague, describe her as gentle, gracious, wise, loyal, loving and attentive.

Sondra was an active and involved member, volunteer and leader in a number of groups and organizations throughout her lifetime. These include Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, St. Augustine Guild [member and past president], Indiana Right to Life, St. Mary of the Woods College Indianapolis Alumni Chapter and Member of the Board of Trustees, St. Vincent de Paul, Women in Providence, St. Luke Catholic School and parish, the Proctor Club and member of the Sister of Providence Development Council. Sondra was honored by the Sisters with the Sarah and Joseph Thralls Award for significant contributions of time, talent and expertise. Sondra was the former Sister Marie Martin.

Sondra’s family extends sincere gratitude to the many caregivers and friends who supported Sondra during her years of living with dementia. Senior Home Companions and Story Cottage Memory Home and those who serve those companies were great gifts to us.

Sondra requested that those who wish to support service to others consider donations to the Sisters of Providence, St. Augustine’s Guild, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor.

There will be a public funeral mass at St. Luke Catholic Church at 7575 Holliday Drive East in Indianapolis, IN at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2021. The funeral mass will be livestreamed at www.stluke.org. Scroll down on the main webpage until locating a yellow “Click Here” button under “St. Luke Mass Video”. The funeral liturgy will remain on the website for several weeks for later viewing.

Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel assisting with arrangements. To share a memory, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.