Michelena Piper

RICHMOND, Ind. – Michelena (Conti) Piper, age 89, of Richmond, died Saturday, March 29, 2008, at Arbor Trace. She was born April 6, 1918, in Richmond, to Paulo and Rosina Deleo Conti. She graduated from Morton High School in 1936. Michelena filled many positions in her 39 years of service to the Indiana State Department of Health. She retired at the age of 80 as a nurse consultant and was presented the State Health Commissioners Award of Excellence in Public Health. She was recognized as an outstanding contributor in promoting and providing for the health of the people in Indiana. She earned her registered nursing degree at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Hammond, Ind., and then continued her education graduating from Indiana University in Bloomington with a bachelor’s degree in public health. Michelena began her public health career as a Henry County Public Health Nurse and County School Nurse. She served as a caseworker for the Wayne County Division of Family and Children. She later accepted the position of nurse consultant for the Public Health Nurses and Families in the Children with Special Health Care Services program in counties of east central Indiana. In that capacity, she also served as a clinic nurse in an extension of Riley Hospital for Children in Wayne, Dearborn and Bartholomew counties. She served as a welfare consultant to several community based agencies in northeast Indiana for Children’s Special Health Care Services and also served as a care coordinator for that same program. Michelena was a member of the American Italian Lodge in Richmond, Indiana Business Women’s Club in Richmond and Holy Family Catholic Church. Survivors are her son, Robert Piper of Oakland City, Ind.; daughter, Rosemary Coffman of Celina, Ohio; 5 grandchildren; one brother, Carl Conti of Loveland, Ohio; nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Gene J. Piper; parents; and brothers, Rocco Conti and Dominick Conti. Graveside service for Michelena Piper will be at 1 p.m., Monday March 31, 2008, at Saint Andrews Cemetery, Liberty Ave., Richmond, with Father Todd Riebe officiating. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, Ind. 47374.

Michelena Piper

April 6, 1918 - March 29, 2008