Muriel Tadman Romer

Muriel Tadman Romer, a force of nature in the Indianapolis Jewish community for over 50 years, passed away on Sunday, December 28. She was 86 years old.

Muriel was a lifelong member of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (IHC) from the time she moved to Indianapolis in 1948. She also began her professional career at IHC, serving first as a teacher, then as Director of Education for the Temple for over 18 years, then as Executive Director for over 20 years. For her children, the Temple was their second home. Even after retirement she worked on the Temple's archives for several years. Many knew her as "Mrs. Temple" and although her desk was usually piled with papers, Muriel always seemed to know where everything was placed.

Despite her full-time work at the Temple, raising a family and running the household, Muriel always seemed to find time to volunteer for one worthy cause after another. She was a member of Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, the Hooverwood Guild, the National Association of Temple Educators, the IHC Sisterhood, Hadassah and the National Council of Jewish Women. She volunteered and planned holiday parties for senior citizens at Park Regency Apartments and volunteered at Thrifty Threads thrift store.

It was felt her unbridled enthusiasm and boundless energy could have lighted a good portion of the homes in Indianapolis. She also earned her Master's Degree in Education at Butler University, attending part-time. Even after retirement, her volunteer work continued and she and her husband Bob travelled extensively and Muriel loved garage sales.

Muriel's husband, Robert F. Romer, owner for many decades of Romer Lighting, both downtown and later in Carmel, passed away in 2010. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Jack Tadman. Muriel is survived by her three children, Steve, Sunny and Karyn, two grandchildren, Noah Soloman-Oblath and his wife, Naomi, and Aron Oblath, as well as Bob's brother and his wife, Billy and Joyce Romer.

Muriel was born in Chicago Illinois on April 7, 1928 to Sam and Dorothy Tadman and raised in Crown Point, Indiana. Sam worked for the C&O railroad and later, in Indianapolis, Dorothy worked for Wasson's Department Store. They were members of Temple Israel in Gary, IN. Muriel attended Indiana University, where she majored in Business and where she met Bob, the love of her life; they were married on June 22, 1948.

Lastly, for Muriel, family came first and that came through in everything she did for her parents, her in-laws, her children, and her grandchildren. Daughter Karyn took care of both her parents in their later years until their passing. Grandson Aron talked about losing the "Romer Family Matriarch," his grandma. Daughter Sunny added she was the quietest matriarch and only needed to raise an eyebrow or smile her beautiful smile for us to know what she was thinking.

The family is very grateful to the dedicated caregivers who gave their love and support to Muriel and the family over the past several years. They brought much joy to her life every day. Also, the family is very thankful to the very caring staff at the Barrington of Carmel and Gentiva Home Health and Hospice for end of life care.

A funeral service will be held at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 North Meridian Street, on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 11:30am. Burial will follow in the IHC South Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Hooverwood Guild, Sigma Delta Tau or a charity of choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com