Roseann Hamel-Harris

Roseann Hamel-Harris, died September 1st, 2017 at the age of 78. Born on November 4th, 1938 she had endured a long battle with Alzheimer's. Daughter of Lee and Rosemary Evans, she is survived by her 2 sons Brian (Debbie) Hamel and Brad (Barb) Hamel. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren, Autumn, Violet, Cole, Evan & Brittany as well as 1 great grandson, Kamren as well as many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her brothers John, Jim, Leo & Frank. Her brother Mickey's and sister Patty's death preceded her. Roseann was a caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She raised her 2 sons as a single parent often working multiple jobs to make ends meet and send her children to Catholic Schools.

She worked as an administrative assistant and then legal assistant for many years in Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago before working in the Indiana State Senate from 1975-79. There she worked for different State Senators including the late Adam Benjamin Jr. who was eventually elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Roseann was given the opportunity to move to Washington D.C. to serve as Mr. Benjamin's executive assistant but made the choice to remain in Indianapolis which is where her extended family remained. Her roles then expanded within the Senate to one of a supervisory role over the secretarial pool. She then went on to serve in several roles with the Indianapolis Police Department for the next 20 years including her longest tenure as a 911 Dispatcher. During the final 11 years of her career she worked for her son Brad, running the office at his flooring business until she retired.

Roseann is a graduate of St. Mary's Academy ('56) and attended Lain Business College and IUPUI where she took courses furthering her education as well.

Roseann's love for children and her fondness for dogs won't soon be forgotten. She developed extraordinarily strong bonds with her pets and one of her favorite hobbies was taking her dogs for walks though the historic Irvington area which is where she lived for many years. In addition, she loved being out in the sun on a regular basis. Her primary devotion was to her family including her 2 sons to whom she made extraordinary sacrifices throughout the years. She cared for her late husband Phil Harris and her brother Mickey until their deaths. She also cared for her mother Rosemary up until her mother turned 100 during which time Roseann had already developed Alzheimer's. She is and always will be a role model for dedication, self-sacrifice and perseverance. She exemplified those virtues prior to and throughout her battle with Alzheimer's and will be remembered and loved for all that she did for others throughout her life.

Roseann was a member of and gave continuously to Little Flower Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, we are certain that she would appreciate contributions made to the church in her name.