Michael Ann Perry "Mike" Mcilwraith

Michael Ann Perry “Mike” McIlwraith, 84, of Carmel, passed peacefully on June 23, 2018. Born January 14, 1934, in Cleveland, OH, to Allen Thorndyke and Myra Standish Colburn Perry. In 1957, she married John Gray McIlwraith (New Castle, PA), who preceded her in passing on May 12, 2009 after 51 years of marriage.

She is survived by her children: John Colburn (Marylou) McIlwraith of Cincinnati, OH; Joanne McIlwraith Petersen of Frederick, MD; and Allen (Andrea) McIlwraith of Mequon, WI; seven grandchildren, Sarah Tyler and Jennifer Chapin McIlwraith of Cincinnati, OH and John Colburn, Jr. of San Francisco, CA; Myra Elizabeth Church of New York, NY and Madeleine Jane Church of Chicago, IL; Katharine Lee and Taylor Joy McIlwraith of Mequon, WI; brother Frederick Standish Colburn (Judy) Perry of Beachwood, OH; and sister-in-law Jean Park McIlwraith (Jim) Tebay.  She was preceded in passing by her sister, Katharine Dutro Perry Sikorovsky.

A celebration of Mike’s life for family and friends will be held Saturday, June 30 from 11:30 – 2:30 PM at Black Iris Estate, 5801 E. 116^th Street, Carmel. Memorial contributions in Mike’s name can be made to the charity of your choice.  Online condolences may be shared by visiting flannerbuchanan.com.  The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff of The Barrington in Carmel for their compassionate care these past few months.

Described by her grandchildren as creative, resourceful and loving, with a heart of gold and a contagious smile, Mike was an accomplished duplicate bridge player, tenacious doubles “slice & dice” tennis player, gracious hostess, and adored by her grandchildren (and busy/eternally grateful adult children) as the indefatigable leader of “Granny Camp.”  She volunteered her time with Carmel Golden K Kiwanis Club and the Salvation Army, enthusiastically supported the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, and shared her love of antiques with fellow members of Questers Preservation. A staunch supporter of publicly accessible tennis programs for players of all ages in the Indianapolis area, Mike held her own with the emerging generation of “outspoken” professional tennis players as a line judge during the early days of US Open Clay Courts Championships at Woodstock Country Club. She enjoyed working in her garden; fostered a love of ice skating, crafts, garage sales, and swimming and diving in her children and grandchildren; and was held in high esteem by many as a surrogate mother. An avid sports fan, Mike loved listening to racing activity in the month of May and watching tennis on the TV or her back porch, and also could often be found playing basketball, baseball or even tennis with her grandchildren in her driveway.  She also grilled a wicked good sirloin steak.

RIP Mom. You will always be close to our hearts ❤️

An elephant never forgets…

John, Jody & Al