Saddelle (Camhi) Ray

Saddelle Camhi Ray, 90, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 4, 2023. She was born on September 12, 1932 and grew up in the Sephardic community of Indianapolis’ historic south side. The daughter of Albert Camhi (deceased) and Clara Camhi (deceased), founding members of Etz Chaim, she had two brothers, Sam Camhi (deceased) and Shy Camhi (deceased).

Tracking her roots back to her ancestors’ expulsion from Spain, Saddelle was part of an extraordinary Sephardic diaspora which stuck together for over 500 years, re-settling in Greece then Turkey and finally Indianapolis.

Proud of her heritage, she was active in Jewish youth activities, served on the Sisterhood at Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation and worked as a secretary at Beth-El Zedeck and the Bureau of Jewish Education.

Saddelle always had a smile on her face, a “sassy” word or two, and liked nothing more than being the life of the party. She was always the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. She enjoyed theater, weekly card and Mah Jong games, JCC workouts, reading, knitting, nature, and movies. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family and had a magical way with children, always playing games, singing, and drawing at family gatherings.

Her upbeat attitude and zest for life helped her conquer cancer four times. While married to Edward Weiner, she had three children: Cathi, Howard and Marlene. After their divorce, she married George Costa (deceased) and lived in Rhode Island and Virginia before returning to Indianapolis to be closer to family. In 1988, she married Robert Ray until his passing in 2003.

She is survived by her devoted children, Cathi Weiner, Howard Weiner (Susan Zerin), and Marlene Weiner (Steven); six grandchildren, Shira Malone (Jarrod), Ali Weiner-Holden (Andrew), Jacob Weiner, Adam Wyner (Sam Chertoff), and Jonathan and Jordan Wyner; as well as the joys of her life: four great-grandchildren, Corinne, Lyla, and Caleb Malone, and Harrison Holden.

The light she shone on the world will be missed.

Services will be held on Thursday, September 7, at 2 PM at Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary, 11411 North Michigan Rd. Click here to view the live-stream .

Burial will follow at the Etz Chaim Cemetery. Shiva will be held at the home of Cathi Weiner from 6 – 10 PM on Thursday evening with a Minyan service at 7:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be make to Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation's Sisterhood.