Pauline Angeline Shikany

Pauline was born at Coleman Hospital in Indianapolis to Jacob and Ernestine (McDonald) Erb on July 11, 1929. Pauline graduated from Little Flower Grade School, St. Mary's Academy and St. Vincent School of Nursing. She married the love of her life, Michael Shikany, on March 31, 1951 at Little Flower Church. Together they shared 68 years of devotion, laughter, and joy. Pauline was a registered nurse for over 40 years and retired from Community East Hospital.

Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Mike, her parents, Jacob and Ernestine, her brothers Erwin and Karl Erb, and her brother-in-law Ron Roesch. Pauline is survived by her three children, Fr. Paul Shikany, Marie Shikany, and Paula Shikany, her sister Martha Roesch, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Those who were fortunate to know Pauline would say she always put others first and set a high standard in all she did.

Family always came first and she made her house a home through all of her loving touches: a well-set table with home-cooked meals, German and Lebanese specialties, vases filled with flowers from the garden, and cherished traditions for holidays throughout the year, especially at Christmas.

Pauline knew how to stretch a dollar and saved with a purpose in mind. Her biggest goal was to ensure her children were well educated and graduated without debt. She achieved this goal and many others, often without doing any extra for herself.

Nursing was more than a career – it was a passion and a part of who she was. She didn’t stop being a nurse at the end of her shift. Pauline cared for those she loved and those in her community. Sleep was a luxury; caring for others was a must. When asked by a fellow nurse what kind of nurse she was, she humbly replied, “I hope I was a good one”.

Pauline’s unwavering love for Mike was shown throughout their marriage. In their later years, after they moved from Downey to The Herm, Pauline remained steadfast—caring for Mike with tenderness and strength, ensuring he could live independently with dignity and grace. They were a true team, complementing each other’s strengths and maintaining a loving partnership.

Pauline lived her entire life as a member of Little Flower Church. Just like the parish, she grew up on Bosart Avenue. She was one of the few parishioners who was born near the parish’s inception and lived to see it mark its 100th anniversary. When the church needed a volunteer, she willingly rolled up her sleeves and got the job done.

Visitation will be held at Feeney-Hornak Shadeland Mortuary, located at 1307 North Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46219, on October 21, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Further visitation will occur at Little Flower Catholic Church, located at 4720 East 13th St., Indianapolis, IN 46201, on October 22, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the same location at 11:00 am.

Pauline will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, located at 435 West Troy Ave., Indianapolis, IN.

Memorials in Pauline’s name may be made to Little Flower Catholic Church.

Pauline will be remembered as a sweet and welcoming woman who led a faithful life dedicated to helping others.