Doris A. Brelage

Doris A. Brelage, age 65 of Batesville, Indiana, died Saturday, October 18, 2008, at the Hendricks Regional Hospital in Danville, Indiana. Born June 13, 1943 in Ripley County Indiana, she is the daughter of Bernadine (Nee: Raver) and Roman Federle. She married Jerry Brelage August 1, 1970 at St. Nicholas Church in Sunman, Indiana. Doris was a Registered Nurse who began her working career at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio and spent the last 37 years with Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville. She began her career at Margaret Mary as Director of Nursing then served as Head of Surgical Nursing and in later years was the Director of Infection Control for the hospital. Her family teased her about starting at the top and working her way down. She was also the first female member of the Batesville E.M.S. Life Squad. She was a member of St. Louis Church, serving as leader of nursing ministry for the parish and was also a past parish council member. Doris was very talented and enjoyed several interests. She liked knitting which led her to pick up cross stitching and sewing and she created beautiful afghans and quilts, as well as clothing. Her sewing skills won her a blue ribbon at this year’s state fair. In addition to her volunteer efforts locally, she and Jerry made four trips to Nicaragua in recent years on educational ministries to help improve the quality of life for the locals. While she focused on teaching procedures to improve their health, she also wanted to share her love of knitting with them and had just recently arranged to have 300 pounds of yarn delivered to them. Doris also enjoyed cards and especially Bridge. She and several of her friends have been part of a card club for years, enjoying many evenings of spirited competition and lively conversation.Doris is survived by her husband Jerry; sons Craig of Danville, Indiana, Todd of Neenah, Wisconsin; sisters Janet Sturwold and Marilyn Erfman, both of St. Peter’s Indiana; brother Don Federle of Morris, Indiana and granddaughter Taylor Brelage. She is preceded in death by her parents. Visitation is Wednesday, October 22nd, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home with a rosary service at 3:45 p.m. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Thursday, October 23rd, at St. Louis Church with Rev. Dennis Duvelius and Rev. Michael O’Meara officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to the Nursing Scholarship Fund of Margaret Mary Hospital.

Doris A. Brelage

October 18, 1943 - October 18, 2008