Catherine S. Wallace

Catherine "Nana" S. Wallace, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully and is now with her beloved Lord and Savior on November 09, 2025, at the age of 100.

Born on March 13, 1925, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Catherine lived a century marked by grace, resilience, and unwavering love. She grew up during the Great Depression, came of age during World War II, and built a life rooted in faith, family, and service.

Education was paramount. Catherine was a graduate of Crispus Attucks High School, Indiana State University, and Butler University. She earned degrees in a Master of Library Science and a Master of Education. Her undergraduate work led to degrees in Education Administration, a Certificate in Montessori Education, and minors in Home Economics and Physical Education. Catherine was in education for over 40 years, leading her from elementary school teacher to Assistant Principal and then to Principal. She was an inspirational force in countless children's lives, with her gentle wisdom and boundless patience.

She was a woman of firsts. She was the first black member of Fairview Presbyterian Church and served several terms as a ruling elder, earning the nickname "gentle pioneer." She was the first black person to serve as President of the Public Library Board and the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. This made her the first person ever to hold both positions simultaneously.

Catherine married her sweetheart, James "Jim" Wallace, in 1949. Together, they raised three children and built a home filled with laughter, love, and delicious food. She was known for many things: her innovation in helping children use their imaginations, her storytelling, and her uncanny ability to make everyone feel like family.

She is survived by her daughter, Robin (Wes), her grandchildren, Kimberly (Chris), Kenya (Malcom), John, Khara, Bradford Jr., Shanell, Matthew (Kelly), Kyle (Emily), Taylor (Sonia), Caitlin (Michael), and the many blessings of several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eunice and William; her husband, James; her sisters, Myrtis, Billy Ann, Joyce, and Marjorie; her brother, George and Larry; her half-sister, Francine Wilson; her step-sister, Rosemary and Louise; her daughter, Tanya; and her son, Bradford, grandson Bradford Jr., and great granddaughter Valerie.

Catherine's legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the traditions she passed down, and the love she gave so freely.

Her family invites friends and loved ones to a celebration of her life on Saturday, December 6, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana. Visitation will begin at 10 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11 :30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local library or the Emerging Pearls Foundation, causes close to Catherine's heart.