Mary Vyverberg Paul

January 9, 1936 – January 11, 2025

“Mary V”, Mary Vyverberg Paul, 89, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, at Traditions at North Willow, surrounded by her family. Born on January 9, 1936, in Lafayette, Indiana, to George Hubbard Vyverberg and Wythe Denby Vyverberg, Mary lived a vibrant and multifaceted life filled with love, compassion, adventure, and service to her community.

She is preceded in death by her father, George Hubbard Vyverberg, mother, Wythe Denby Vyverberg, first husband, Leslie S. Lee, II, second husband, Edward Paul Gallagher, the flame of her heart, John Stephen Paul and her beloved Georgie, her canine companion for many years.

Mary spent her early years in Lafayette and later moved to Indianapolis, where she graduated from Shortridge High School in 1954. She cherished her time at Shortridge and became involved in the student council as a sophomore. This was the start of her lifelong pursuit in service to others.

Mary went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Butler University. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, for which she later served on the Grand Council. She was proud of the fact that her great-grandmother, Hannah Fitch Shaw, was one of Theta’s founding members. She later enriched her education at Cambridge University during the summer of 1987. She studied the history and aesthetics of English estates and gardens, as well as Shakespeare.

In 1975, Mary became one of first women in the United States to open a plus-size women’s clothing store. Mary V, in Indianapolis, was a beloved boutique fashion shop for many women, for many years. Mary’s business acumen and can-do attitude inspired everyone who met her.

Mary was a loving mother who took immense pride in her family. She is survived by her children, Virginia Lee Davis (Kelly), Katherine “Katz” Lee Finch (L. Mark), and Leslie S. Lee, III. She also leaves behind her beloved sisters, Martha Vyverberg Telfer of Denver, Colorado, and Joan Vyverberg Fortune of Boston, Massachusetts, as well as the many nieces, nephews, and cousins she loved keeping in contact with through Facebook.

Mary was deeply involved in her community, dedicating her time and talents to organizations such as the Junior League, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Ballet, Museum of Art (Newfields), the Colonial Dames of America, the Chamber of Commerce, the Indianapolis Press Club and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Mary also contributed to the arts in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she played a role in the re-opening of the Salvador Dalí Museum.

In 1987, she was recognized as one of Northwood Institute’s Distinguished Woman of the Year for her pioneering work in the manufacture and merchandising of plus-size women’s fashion.

Mary was a woman of curiosity, with a lifelong passion for history. Her keen interest in English history began with researching her families ancestors when she found out that she was descended from reverend Edmund Grindal, an Archbishop of Canterbury during contentious years of the reformation. After that she became fascinated with the monarchy of Scotland and England and was a true anglophile through and though. She was also a member of The Mayflower Society via William Brewster. She continued her travels with her beloved third husband, Stephen Paul. Their travels took them across the globe, from the highlands of Scotland, Europe and to the vibrant streets of San Miguel, Mexico. Additionally, they enjoyed travels closer to home for his Naval reunions.

During her early years she loved ice skating on the ponds in Brown County. After she had children, she and her sister Marty nurtured the love of ice skating in their children. One of her heroes whom she greatly admired was Sonja Henning. In the 1970s, Mary surprised her family by taking up roller skating, showcasing her adventurous spirit and zest for life.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Leppert Mortuary-Nora, 740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, with calling hours from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and a service at 1:00 p.m. Father Robin Myers will officiate. A reception with light refreshments will follow, offering friends and family the opportunity to share memories and stories of Mary V.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Traditions at North Willow and Hope and Dignity Hospice for their compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to the Junior League of Indianapolis, https://www.jlindy.org/ or a charitable organization that you are passionate about, or of your choosing.

Online condolences available at www.leppertmortuary.com