Marian Smith Marlowe

Marian Irene (Collins) Smith Marlowe was born November 7, 1929 in Kansas City, Missouri to Helen Irene and Randall Davies Collins. Marian was the youngest sister to Helen Elizabeth (Betty) Atkins, Frances Rominger Resener, Robert (Bob) Collins, and Charles (Alan) Collins. The family moved to Indianapolis in the mid 1930’s. Marian attended Shortridge High School where she met her future husband while participating in the Senior play. They both graduated from Butler University, where Marian was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Marian and Eugene M. Smith were married on July 2, 1949. They were married for almost 40 years before Eugene passed in November of 1988. Their marriage produced four children, Kathleen, Kevin, Kimberly, and Karen. Marian was a stay-at-home mother for many years, then went on to finish her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Education. Her first job was teaching 6th grade at Park School. She was a part of the Park Tudor family for 25 years, teaching both lower school and middle school math.

In 1992, Marian reconnected with a high school classmate, Charles (Chuck) Marlowe at their 45th high school reunion. Marian and Chuck got married in 1994 and she became a step-mom to John, Todd, Ben, and David Marlowe. She also became an IU basketball fan and attended almost every game with Chuck who hosted the Bobby Knight Show for 29 years. Marian and Chuck loved to travel and play golf. They were fortunate to be able to live in a Bonita Springs, FL golf community for six months of the year.

After retiring, Marian, along with her sisters, Betty and Fran, volunteered as a “Pink Lady” at Methodist Hospital. She played bridge, was an avid reader, an excellent seamstress and knitted over 100 personalized Christmas stockings for family and friends. She was a member of PEO for over 50 years; initiated into Chapter BI, and later transferred to be with her daughters in Chapter G.

Marian is survived by her children Kathy Detzler (Donn), Kevin Smith (Laura), Kim Stickney, Karen Elliott (Bill), step-sons Todd Marlowe (Cyndi), Ben Marlowe (Erinn), and David Marlowe (Cadie), 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Marian was cherished by all her family members, her students, and the many friends she made over a lifetime. She always found a reason to be happy. Her favorite time was to be surrounded by her children and family, who will miss her bright spirit immeasurably.

An Open House celebration of Marian's life will be held on November 8th, 2025, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at The Bridgewater Club (3535 E. 161st Street, Carmel, Indiana).