Marianne Brocke

Marianne Brocke was born on April 11, 1942, at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Hammond, Indiana, to Maurey and Elizabeth “Bette” Zlotnik. She loved growing up in Hammond and cherished vivid memories of her childhood neighborhood and lifelong friends. She attended Hammond Morton High School, where she served as editor of the school newspaper and participated in Girls State—early signs of her leadership, curiosity, and love of learning.

Marianne went on to attend Indiana University and the National Teacher’s College in Evanston, Illinois, where she began a lifelong devotion to children and education. She worked as an elementary school teacher, a high school English teacher, and later for the Indiana State Department of Education, traveling throughout the state to ensure children had access to nutritious school meals. Children across Indiana eagerly anticipated visits from “Mrs. Broccoli,” whose warmth and genuine care made her memorable long after she left the room.

In 1980, Marianne and her beloved husband, Jim, moved to Carmel with their three children. She took great pride in this community and delighted in watching it grow. From concerts at the pagoda to the Christkindlmarkt, Marianne rarely missed an event. She was an avid supporter of Carmel High School sports, attending her children’s events and leading the CHS Football Mothers’ Club. She continued to enjoy tailgating at CHS football games every fall through this past season. She was also a gifted and generous hostess, welcoming up to 100 guests at her annual Christmas Eve parties. Everyone was welcome—she never met a stranger. Her home reflected her love of beauty, filled with fresh flowers and delicate details, but even more so, it radiated warmth. Marianne brought grace, kindness, and hospitality into every space she entered.

Friendship was one of Marianne’s greatest joys. She maintained close relationships with friends from elementary school through recent neighbors, valuing each connection deeply. She loved meeting friends for lunch or dinner, traveling to see dear ones, and always asked about their families. She remembered everyone’s name, celebrated others’ accomplishments, and made people feel truly seen. Her kindness was genuine, steady, and generous—and it will be deeply missed.

Marianne was a founding member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carmel, where her faith and devotion to God and her relationship with Mary guided her life. She was an active member of the Women’s Club, cherished her CRHP group, hosted a table at Advent by Candlelight, contributed to the Loaves and Fishes Ministry, and faithfully baked for the annual parish bake sale. Alongside her active service, Marianne practiced quiet prayer and reflection, often keeping her rosary close at hand.

She was also deeply committed to the Carmel Clay Public Library, serving as a founding member of the Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation Guild in 2004. Marianne contributed her time and talents to many fundraising efforts, including the annual Guilded Leaf Book and Author Luncheon. She treasured her friendships within the Guild and took great joy in seeing both the Guild and the Library grow and flourish.

Marianne was an enthusiastic sports fan and never missed College GameDay. She loved college football and basketball, cheering for many teams—especially those connected to her family (Notre Dame, Illinois, and West Point), the state of Indiana, and the Big Ten. She also had a soft spot for the underdog and delighted in an unexpected win.

Of all her roles, Marianne treasured being a wife, mother, and grandmother most of all. Known affectionately as “Mimi” to her favorite people, she shared unconditional love, encouragement, and pride. She was a devoted wife to Jim for 47 years, and together they made an extraordinary team.

Marianne is survived by her husband, Jim Brocke; her children, Jonathan (Patty) Burman, Jason (Donna) Brocke, and Jennifer (Jim) Meece; her sister, Marcel Raduenzel; her grandchildren, Melissa, Katherine, Benjamin, Anna, Nicholas, Andrew, Cody, Madison, Jordan, and Lauren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She also will be greatly missed by her beloved dog, Molly. Marianne was especially excited about Katherine’s upcoming wedding to Terrance and Ben’s high school graduation this spring. While her absence will be deeply felt, her family knows she will be present in spirit at these milestones and all the moments yet to come.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Road, Carmel, Indiana. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. The family invites all who wish to join them in praying the Rosary at 10:00 a.m., immediately prior to the Mass. The Funeral Mass will be followed by a luncheon and burial at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 9001 Haverstick Road, Indianapolis.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at the following link: https://setoncarmel.org/streaming-services.

Please consider a donation in Marianne’s name to the Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation or to the Loaves and Fishes Ministry at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church.