Mrs. Mary Florence Aldridge

Mary was a graduate of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, and received her Master's degree in Music at Butler University. She entered the Sisters of Providence Order in 1950 as Sister Mary Florence, and taught piano and violin for 20 years in parochial schools operated by the Sisters of Providence in Indiana and Illinois. Sister Mary Florence was not only recognized as an excellent music teacher, but a great many of her students and their parents remained in contact with her throughout her life.

After being released from her vows as a nun at her request, Mary taught in the Indianapolis Public School System and helped pilot the Suzuki Strings Program. She was a member of the Indiana Piano Teachers' Guild, Matinée Musicale and Mu Phi Epsilon. As a piano teacher, Mary was awarded the 1987 CYO Busald Award for leading the annual young musicians' competition. Mary continued her piano teaching as a lay person and as a wife, marrying in 1971. She continued to be sought after for her warm, affirming teaching qualities and conducted annual recitals for her students.

Mary is survived by her husband, Thomas R. Aldridge, Indianapolis, her sister-in-law, Geraldine Woods Ellis, Waverly, PA. Also surviving are five nieces and one nephew. She is preceded in death by her brother, Joseph R. Ellis, and a nephew, Jay Ellis, both of Waverly, PA.