Mary S. DeRose

Mary Shelley (Young) DeRose, multi-talented, tender-hearted, wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully at age 94 on November 6, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, her home town for almost 60 years. Hers was a life well lived, to a tune uniquely her own.

Her name "Mary Shelley" was carefully chosen by her parents, Nina and Jack Young, who were literature lovers, art appreciators, and musicians. Mary followed their lead, and imparted this appreciation to her own children.

Born in Chicago on August 1, 1931, Mary did not attend formal school until age 8 so she could focus on piano and violin. Once in public school, Mary excelled academically and musically.

In 1949 she met the man of her dreams, Robert (Bob) DeRose, a successful, handsome business owner, who preceded her in death on July 2, 2009. They married in September 1950, and she was welcomed into his large, friendly Italian family. Six children followed (all with names chosen by Mary)—Aladean Marie DeRose (the late Eric Smithburn), Victor Anthony DeRose, Paul Vance DeRose, Desiree Gabrielle DeRose (Francesco Calabro), Gena Renee DeRose (David Dubberley), and Adriane Christina DeRose, who died December 7, 2022 (partner Dennis Jourdan).

Mary traveled extensively with her husband Bob—to the USSR (before it ended), to China (shortly after it opened to the West), and throughout South America, Europe, and South Africa.

Mary was the life and heart of their many parties and of husband Bob’s business events because she could play popular songs and show tunes by ear on the piano. She had perfect pitch.

When the family lived in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania from 1958 to 1966, Mary joined the town's Community Theater, where she starred in the play Sabrina Fair and acted in many dramas and musicals.

For many years Mary was active in the Indianapolis Opera, the Art Museum (now Newfields), and the Indianapolis Garden Club. As a longstanding member of the Indiana Historical Society, Mary did volunteer work at the Indiana State Museum.

Mary’s love of learning shines in her attainment of both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Library Science from Purdue University Indianapolis when her youngest child was in early school. She received her Master’s degree the same year her oldest child graduated from high school.

Mary and Bob had seven grandchildren—Kylea Asher (David Smith), Alexis Calabo, Celine Calabro (Matthew McDonald), Ian Stribling (Michelle), Michael DeRose (deceased 2021), Stephanie Stribling, Kevyn Calabro, and Scott Smithburn. Seven great-grandchildren were later born.

The grandchildren fondly recall summers spent together in Grandma Mary’s and Grandpa Bob’s large, lovely home, where Grandma organized zoo trips, library excursions, and great outdoor meals. They also fondly remember festive holiday occasions and ebullient birthday celebrations.

Intellectually curious, gregarious, a lover of culture, parties, and fun, and devoted to her husband and her large family, Mary DeRose will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 2026.