Mary Elizabeth Whalin

Mary Elizabeth Frischie Whalin, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on August 25th, 2025 at IU North Hospital in Carmel, Indiana. Mary was beloved by her family and many friends who shared adventures and made memories throughout her life and showed love to her through messages and visits during her final days. Mary was born on August 30, 1941 to the late Meta Hackman Frischie and Herman Frischie of Jackson County, Indiana. She grew up in Vallonia, Indiana and was a 1959 graduate of Vallonia High School. She received her bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 1963. Mary married Ward Whalin on June 12, 1965. Ward preceded her in death in 2010. Mary was a career educator at IPS 108, Willard J. Gamble Middle School, where she taught science until her retirement.

Mary filled her life with friends, family, food (cooking, baking, eating out), fun, flair, music and service. Mary and Ward enjoyed years of traveling the country with their camper and took countless trips for hiking, biking, birding, photography and visiting friends. Colorado and Sanibel Island were favorite destinations. In retirement, Mary served as a tour guide with Indiana Landmarks. Mary was an avid and enthusiastically competitive card player and enjoyed playing bridge, euchre and dominoes regularly. She was a member of the West Group of The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and volunteered at many events over the years. Mary was a member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Speedway since 1969 and joyfully played in the bell choir there for many years.

Mary is survived by her brother and sister-in-law John and Sue Frischie of Kentland, Indiana; niece Stephanie Frischie (partner Kevin Tungesvick) of Anderson, Indiana; niece and nephew-in-law Kim and Scott Backus of Akron, Indiana and their children Hayley and Aaron Backus; cousins and other relatives; and many, many dear friends near and far that are like family. Her family is grateful for all the friends who have helped and had fun with Mary throughout her life; for all the wonderful and kind medical professionals who provided care in recent years; and the pastors and chaplains who shepherded her spiritual life.

Mary had a particular zest for life, so following her example, we will gather to grieve and be grateful for her and find comfort in each other on what would have been her 84th birthday. We welcome and invite you to remember and celebrate Mary with us on Saturday, August, 30th, 2025 at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 6118 Crawfordsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46224 (Speedway). Visitation begins at 9:30 am (Eastern) followed at 11:00 am with a celebration of life service. Lunch and socializing will follow at the church. We will have time to share and hear stories or written remembrances of Mary both during the service and informally.

As per her wishes, Mary’s ashes will be entombed and placed to rest next to Ward’s at Washington Park North Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary's memory to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor's choice.