Nula Angeline Purichia Harmon

April 21, 1934 – September 17, 2012

Nula Angeline Purichia Harmon, 78, passed away peacefully at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis on Monday, September 17, 2012, at 10:12 pm. Nula was born on April 21, 1934, at home in Indianapolis to the late Angelo S. and Josephine C. (Lombardi) Purichia. She graduated from Washington High School in 1952, earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Indiana State Teachers College (University) in 1957, and completed the requirements for her master’s degree in Administration from Butler University in 1962. While in college, she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority eventually serving as her chapter’s president. She was first hired as a teacher in the Speedway Public Schools and there are even stories of her 4th and 6th grade students calling her and seeing her at local events well into their adult lives!

On August 18, 1962, she married Joseph P. Harmon, Jr. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Indianapolis. After an extended time as a homemaker and stay-at-home mom, she was employed as a substitute teacher by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis parochial school system, the La Leche League International (1980-1984), the Indiana Sports Corporation as a financial and human resources coordinator (1984 – 2007), Sensory Technologies (2007 – 2009), and The Indianapolis Recorder (2009- 2011). She then accepted a position with the Super Bowl XLVI Committee serving enthusiastically in many different capacities. Throughout her professional career, she also volunteered in fund raising for The United Way, Youth Links International, St. Augustine Guild, and Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House. She was an “expert” in acquiring generous donations from businesses and restaurants for numerous charitable causes. In 2007, the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association named Nula as one of the recipients of the Rose Award for Service Excellence. She was very honored by this designation and her trophy and picture with Mayor Peterson had a prominent place in her home!

Of all of Nula’s accomplishments in life, she was happiest to be a dear daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, in-law, co-worker, neighbor, parishioner, or good friend. Shared by many, she was really EVERYONE’s “mom” or “grandma”! She truly knew many people and she fostered relationships that were deep, lasting, and extremely valued. She readily offered advice when asked (and sometimes when not asked!) and, as an experienced spectator and fan, she probably was qualified to be an expert commentator at athletic events ranging from professional and college sports to youth T-ball. Many fans “learned the game” from her. Nula was passionate about people and they just plain loved her right back. We grieve her loss very much but heaven surely gained a great new member and advocate for us.

Nula is survived by her children Joseph III (Julie) Harmon of South Bend, Julie (Stephen) Ferrucci of Fishers, Michael (Karen) Harmon of Indianapolis, and Nicholas Harmon of Indianapolis. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren (Christian, Oliver, John, and Lucy Harmon, Vincent, Dominic, and Anthony Ferrucci, and Emma, Elaina, and Andrew Harmon) and by her sister Catherine Dugar and brothers Spiro (P.A.), Michael, Carol, Joseph, and Stephen Purichia all of Indianapolis. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of almost 49 years, Joe, who passed away on July 12, 2011, and by younger brothers William and Nicholas, brother-in-law Albert Dugar, and sister-in-law Elaine Roemer Purichia.

Visitation will be at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7200 Sarto Drive on Sunday, September 23, 2012, from 2:00 – 8:00 pm with a Rosary and Remembrance service beginning at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 24, 2012 at 10:00 am at the Church with additional calling from 9:00 – 10:00 am prior to Mass. The celebrant will be Fr. James Farrell. Interment will occur immediately following at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 9001 Haverstick Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nula’s honor may be made to the Nicholas and Elaine Purichia Scholarship Fund at Marian University (3200 Cold Spring Road Indianapolis, IN 46222), The Catholic Youth Organization (580 Stevens Street Indianapolis, IN 46203), or Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House (5353 E. 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46226). Family and friends may also leave on-line condolences at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com