Patricia Ann (Carlson) Brumbaugh passed away at her home in Indianapolis on October 14, 2007.
Born on July 8, 1950, in Chicago, Ill., Patty was a 1968 graduate of
Bosse High School, where she was a cheerleader, a member of the band and orchestra. She was active in student government at Bosse High School. Patty was a 1972 graduate of DePauw University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi social sorority at DePauw University. She earned her Masters in Midwifery at the University of Mississippi. She founded the first free standing Birthing Center in the state of Indiana. Working at the Birthing Center, Patty delivered over 1,000 babies during her career. She had retired from the Birthing Center but continued to work as an RN.
She was an avid bicyclist and runner, participating in several marathons and mini-marathons including the Bloomington Hilly Hundred bicycle race. Her life was enriched by her children, her family, her friends, her patients, and the many animals she adopted and loved.
She is survived by daughters, Elizabeth Brumbaugh, Indianapolis, and Margaret Brumbaugh, Bloomington, Ind.; son, John Howard Brumbaugh, Bloomington; brothers, Dr. David Carlson, Evansville, and Dr. Kenneth Carlson, Indianapolis; sisters,Susan Fouts, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Peggy Hall, Indianapolis; her parents, Dr. Ralph and Harriet (Johnson) Carlson, Evansville; nephews, Alex Carlson, Kevin Carlson, Gregory Fouts and Andrew Fouts; and nieces, Katie Fouts, Chrissy Fouts and Laura Carlson.
Patty was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Henning and Gunhilde Johnson and fraternal grandparents, Fred and Lanethia Carlson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Vanderburgh Humane Society, P.O. Box 6711, Evansville, IN 47719 or Planned Parenthood of Evansville, 125 N. Weinbach Ave., Evansville, IN 47711.
Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Avenue, Evansville, Ind., is in charge of local arrangements.
October 19, 2007
Patty, I will truly miss your spirit....you have been a huge inspiration to me for many, many years.
My memories of our adventures in running/biking will live forever....I truly thank you for all of them....I will miss you greatly. WrayJean Cornwell (Anderson, IN)
October 19, 2007
Dr. David Carlson I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. Robin Baggett (
E
vansville
, IN)
October 19, 2007
Jean Drewry (
Owensboro
,
KY
)
Others...
My daughter was the 78th baby born at the Birth Center in the Fall of 1993. I became a client at the Birth Center because I read an article about it in the Star the day after I discovered I was pregnant. It truly seemed meant to be. Patty delivered my daughter's head and let her dad "catch" the rest of her. All 3 of our older kids and 4 friends were present at the birth. Patty said the 11 people in the room( not counting the baby!) was a Birth Center record. Patty was a supportive and kind midwife. Occasionally over the years I ran into her and she always remembered my daughter and asked about her. Patty's passion and enthusiasm lit up a room. I am so sorry to hear that she is gone. Arline Hill, Indianapolis, IN
Patty was a busy bee while here on B5/C5 at Methodist Hospital and was very independent when working. She wore a smile most of the time and never complained. Nursing is not always pleasant, but is consistently hard work and Patty's patients appreciated all her hard work. I didn't get to know Patty as well as I hoped to, but she was always kind to me and I always found her to be a pleasant co-worker. I am so sorry to the family for this unexpected and devastating loss and I will never forget the memory of her. God be with you all. Jennifer Chubb, Indianapolis, IN
To Elizabeth, Margaret and John, I wish to express my sympathy to all of you. When I was teaching you in junior kindergarten at PT your mom was working hard to open a birthing center. She was determined to offer patients this option. I enjoyed getting to know her through all of you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Dezelan, Indianapolis
Patty delivered my youngest son. She was such a blessing and encouragement. I am shocked at the news of her death. I will pray for comfort for all of her family and friends. Romans 15:13. Myra Foster / Columbus, In
Women in Indiana have lost a wonderful advocate. Her co-workers at Planned Parenthood will remember her passion and commitment to her patients. Her family and friends have my deepest sympathy. Liz Carroll, Indianapolis, IN
Dr. and Mrs. Carlson, David, Sue, Peggy and Ken, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Patty was such an inspiration to my life. She "adopted" me when I was in grade school, got me involved in Gymnastics and Cheerleading and was the main reason I went to Bosse. She even dressed me for my very first date, letting me wear her clothes and shoes. Patty and I would spend hours in your living room listening to records (mainly the Letterman) and playing cards - mainly "spit". She always won. She invited me to DePauw when she was a freshman and made me feel very special. We had some great times and I have many more memories of her. Even though we didn't keep in touch, she will always be in my memories. I wish the family peace in your loss. Sharon Smith Kennedy, Evansville, IN
I was shocked to hear the news of such a wonderful women and patient advocate. I worked with Patty at Jarrett Fertility Group for a short time she was there. She always had a smile and stories that touched your heart. To her children I'm sorry about your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Sheila Thomas , Indianapolis, IN
I worked with Patty at a few of our Clinics. She was fun to work with. She was willing to help where ever needed
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Theresa Haley, Indianapolis, Indiana
I met Patty almost 10 years ago when pregnant with my 2nd child. I was new to Indianapolis, and wanted a midwife birth. Patty was a dream come true, an inspiration, and gave me the best care I had ever had. On rare occasions at the birth center, there were two of us in labor at the same time -- I was the second. She had to accompany the first patient to the hospital, so her colleague was with me, but she slid in at the last minute to be there during the birth of my daughter. It was a magical day, and Patty was my angel. I will miss her but will always have her memory in my heart. Susan Mourouzis, Carmel, IN
I met Patty through nursing work when we were muddling through a mandatory computer class at a local hospital and I recall her positive attitude. She had a great smile and was a pleasure to work with. I am so saddened by her loss and wish her family peace. Diane Baker, Indianapolis, IN
Sorry to hear that one of the nicest people I knew at Bosse High School has gone to a better place. My deepest sympathy and prayers will be with you in this time of sorrow. John Baresic, Ft Wayne, In
Dear Howard, Elizabeth,Margaret and John: Please accept our sincere condolences. Fred and Barb Butler, Zionsville, In.
I first met Patty when we played Bridge together twenty years ago. Our paths have crossed several times since then. My memories of Patty are all ones of smiles and positive feelings. She could lighten up a room. We are very sad to hear about her passing. Teresa and Tom Hutchinson, Zionsville, IN
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I have many great memories of hanging out at Elizabeth’s house growing up. Mrs. Brumbaugh’s spirit always filled the house with fun and happiness. May you find comfort in time with your memories. Tracey Perez, Chicago, IL
We are so sorry to hear of Patty's death. We are thinking of you during these difficult days. Peggy and Bill Roach, Carmel, IN
Dear Brumbaugh family - Patty was such an inspiration to me. Not only as a wonderful, caring woman passionate about the health of mothers and babies, but as my mentor. She was my teacher not only as a childbirth educator, but also as a midwife. I have such beautiful memories of attending births with Patty and aspired to be as compassionate as she was. She did so much to enhance midwifery at Methodist, in Indianapolis and in Indiana. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May your faith and your memories sustain you. Barb Winningham, Indianapolis, IN
Patty was a true inspiration to me and I have such fond memories of working with her as a childbirth educator and doula. She was instrumental in changing the face of birth for many women in the state of Indiana and her legacy for birth advocacy will live on. I am also grateful on a personal level for her participation in the birth of my first beautiful daughter. My sincerest condolences for the family. Patty will be missed and was loved by many. Kristin Minor, Indianapolis, IN
To Patty's Family, I can't really begin to express the sadness that I felt when I heard of Patty's death. I have been thinking of her and remembering her positive outlook and energy that she shared so freely with those in her life. I cherish the years that we worked together as midwives and the support and skill that she brought to my own birth experiences. Patty has been a wonderful influence in my life and my world is a little less bright knowing that she is gone. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sally