Priscilla Savage

Priscilla Smith Savage, 85, died September 3rd after a long battle with Parkinson?s disease that was characterized by her faith and courage. Embracing God?s will and a joyful, loving spirit defined her in life and sustained her until her death. Priscilla was born in 1925 in Clinton, Iowa to Frank Leander Smith and Catherine Coan Smith and grew up in Morrison, Illinois as the youngest sister to Marillyn Smith Allen and Frances Smith Coan. Her parents and sisters preceded her in death. She graduated from Emma Willard School in Troy, New York in 1943, from Wells College in Aurora, New York in 1947, and, after teaching fifth grade in Morrison for several years, from Hartford Seminary in Connecticut with a Master?s degree in Christian Education. She met her husband, the Reverend Mr. Frederic Waldo Savage, who died in 1987, while serving as Christian Education Director at First Congregational Church in Columbus, Ohio where he was the Associate Minister. They were married at the Columbus church and moved on to serve the Congregational church in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois. Waldo was called as minister to First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Indianapolis in the ...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

ly 1960s where for many years he and Priscilla embodied the ideal of partnership ministry in that Priscilla was a faithful, enthusiastic, and energetic participant in every facet of the life of the church community. During her lifetime Priscilla also served on the national board of the Young Women?s Christian Association (YWCA), as the first woman president of the Indiana Church Federation board, as a member of the Indianapolis chapter of the Japanese International Christian University board, as an advocate for programs and services for the autistic, and as a volunteer for Noble of Indiana. Priscilla personified unfailing generosity, a welcoming personality, and a passion to serve others. She loved flowers, reading, travel, Easter and all holidays, and chocolate. More than anything, she loved unconditionally, treasured, and was always proud of her children, Bradley S. Savage, Carmel; Cynthia Savage Drouin (Jim), Indianapolis; Polly Savage, Bloomington, IN; and her granddaughters, Caitlin and Kristin Drouin, all of whom survive her. Her life was enriched by her relationships with her husband?s daughters, Nancy S. Hurst and Linda S. Gillis, as well as by her many deep friendships. Memorial Services will be celebrated on Saturday, September 18th at 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 7171 N. Pennsylvania Street, of which she was a dedicated member. The family will greet friends following the service. You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Priscilla, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution in her memory to First Congregational Church.