Sloane Lizbeth Whelan

Sloane Whelan, 60, of Carmel, Indiana, died unexpectedly on October 12, 2026, following a snorkeling incident in Maui, Hawaii. Sloane and her family were there celebrating her 29th wedding anniversary and her daughter’s 16th birthday. Her loss was completely unexpected, and family and friends from coast to coast are deeply saddened.

Sloane was born on February 21, 1966, to Catherine (Carr) Whelan, in Greenbrae, California, and was later adopted by Robert Whelan. She attended Sir Francis Drake High School, graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), and later earned her master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. During her undergraduate years, she worked for the City of Reno, helping provide meals to underprivileged schoolchildren during the school year and summer months. This was Sloane’s first passion.

After graduating from UNR, Sloane began working in advertising. One hot summer morning on her way to work, she drove past a homeless man walking along the sweltering pavement with a little puppy. As she passed, she noticed that the puppy was thin and trying to stay off the hot pavement. She turned around, pulled over, and asked the gentleman how much he wanted for the dog. She pulled out a couple of bills, took the puppy to work, and saved Sawyer Brown. In reality, however, he saved her. And so began her second passion, a love for animals.

Following several years in advertising, Sloane eventually found her true home in manufacturing. That career began with Tyco, in Stead, Nevada. In the early 2000’s, Sloane took a position with Rolls-Royce in Oakland, California, leading to 25 years of faithful service that took her and her family from California to Indiana in 2015.

Sloane was a dedicated and driven professional, but her greatest accomplishments at work came through the people with whom she had the pleasure of working. She spoke passionately about the teams of which she was a part and truly felt valued throughout her years with Rolls-Royce. The colleagues that became friends not only across the country, but around the world, are a true testament to a career defined not just by professional achievements, but by lifelong relationships.

In 1997, Sloane met her wife, Cathy, on the softball field, marking the beginning of her third passion: sports. Cathy and Sloane coached a traveling team, the Timberwolves, for four years before a work transfer took them to California. The Timberwolves girls were their first daughters, and they have always held a special place in their hearts. Today, those girls are strong, loving women with children of their own. Sloane cherished the life she built with her beloved wife, Cathy. Their years together were filled with shared dreams they made come true, their laughter, and a love that grew stronger with time. Their relationship was a testament to the beauty of finding your person and choosing each other, day after day.

After her dad’s passing in 2009, Sloane became her mom’s rock – always there with love, strength, and a caring heart. She was a supportive daughter who could always be counted on for comfort, laughter and unconditional love. Her devotion to her mom was a beautiful reflection of what a special person she has always been.

In 2010, Sloane’s greatest dream came true when she and Cathy became mothers of a beautiful little girl. Every waking moment and sleepless night was devoted to ensuring Natalie had all the love and care she needed. Anyone who knows them, knows that Cathy is the first one up in the morning, making sure Natalie starts her day on the right foot. Sloane was the one who made sure Natalie was tucked into bed and kissed goodnight, no matter the circumstances—even when Sloane was traveling overseas. She made sure she and Natalie spoke before bed and recited their nightly expression of love to each other before their heads hit a pillow.

Natalie’s love and future were always at the forefront of Sloane’s mind. As soon as Natalie was born—even before they brought her home from the hospital—Sloane and Cathy expanded their family circle to include Natalie’s godparents, Kristen Denney and Raquel and Gonzalo Benard. They have helped the couple raise Natalie from those first days at home after the hospital, through her baptism, and now through this tragedy. Sloane always believed that her girls needed strong, supportive people around them, and she always treated them like princesses.

With Sloane’s strong work ethic and passion for education, Natalie continues to make her parents proud through her hard work in school and her own passion for sports, particularly basketball. Sloane loved watching her baby girl play ball and did whatever it took to give her every opportunity to fulfill her dreams on the court. The family has been blessed to have an extended circle of support through the passionate coaches and trainers who are helping raise Natalie into a strong young woman, both on and off the court.

Throughout their years in Indiana, Sloane remained very active in her church and community, helping feed those less fortunate, especially children. She supported her church’s outreach collections, packing ministries, and Blessing Box. Sloane also served with their Carmel Summer Lunch Program, which later evolved into the Packing Team, and she continued to be part of that ministry through their most recent packing just a few weeks ago.

Anyone who knew Sloane knew she was incredibly kindhearted. She had an immense passion for serving the under-resourced, caring for animals, and supporting sports – Go SF Giants! Above all, the love of her life was her daughter, and she could not have been prouder of the young woman Natalie has become. Sloane’s family and friends, far and wide, will miss her more than words can express.

Contributions in memory of Sloane Whelan may be made to:

St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church

1402 W. Main St.

Carmel, IN 46032

Or to the ASPCA.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Carmel.

Reception to follow at the church.