Petey married William “Bill” M. Matthews, M.D., on June 7, 1947. Their life together was full of many wonderful memories and noteworthy achievements.
A graduate of the Indiana University School of Nursing, in the years following World War II, she accompanied her husband, Bill, to different United States Army Air Forces bases, working as a nurse as he served as an Army Air Forces physician.
Petey was a master seamstress and an accomplished singer, gifts that reflected both skill and patience, and a lifelong willingness to bring beauty into the lives of others. She also treasured more than 50+ years of memories at her home on Lake Maxinkuckee where she and Bill celebrated time together, building enduring family traditions. Petey loved entertaining family and friends and was considered the “hostess with the mostest.” No one ever left their Lake House hungry.
She was a former member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Indianapolis and St. Mary of the Lake Church in Culver, Indiana. She was a lifetime member of the IU Alumni Association and, sang with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. Petey volunteered with Day Nursery Indianapolis, Crossroads, and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Hoosier State Medical Society, including a term as president, offering her time with the same steady generosity that shaped every part of her life.
Petey was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill; brothers, Adrian Bambrough (Pam) and Daniel Bambrough (Gladys) and sister, Martha Ruth Bambrough Wolf (William).
Petey is survived by her daughter, Pamela A. O’Bryan (Rory); brother-in-law, James F. Matthews (Linda); granddaughters, Katherine A. O’Bryan (Steve Kiernicki) and Rebecca A. O’Bryan, M.D. (Patrick Cavanagh); great-grandsons, Liam, Michael, and Dylan Cavanagh; and many nieces and & nephews.
No flowers, please. Memorial contributions may be made to IU School of Nursing: https://nursing.iu.edu/alumni-giving/ways-to-give/index.html; or in her name to a personal charity.
Visitation for Petey will begin at 11:30 am on Saturday, September 5th, at Calvary Cemetery Chapel (435 West Troy Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225) and conclude at 1:00 pm for Petey's Mass of Christian Burial. Rite of Committal follows in Calvary Cemetery at the Matthews Family Plot.
Online condolences available at www.leppertmortuary.com
