About This Memory Space
This page was created for Marian Smith Marlowe's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Marian Smith Marlowe's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Marian Smith Marlowe. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Marian Smith Marlowe crafted a vibrant life marked by enduring family ties, dedicated teaching, and a joyful pursuit of passions from education to golf courses under Florida suns, leaving an indelible mark on generations through her unwavering optimism.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Helen Irene and Randall Davies Collins, Marian grew up as the youngest among siblings Helen Elizabeth (Betty) Atkins, Frances Rominger Resener, Robert (Bob) Collins, and Charles (Alan) Collins. The family relocated to Indianapolis during the mid-1930s, where she attended Shortridge High School. There, she crossed paths with her first husband, Eugene M. Smith, during the senior play. Both went on to Butler University—Marian as a Delta Delta Delta sorority member—before marrying on July 2, 1949. Their nearly 40-year union, which ended with Eugene's passing in 1988, brought four children into the world. Later, at her 45th high school reunion in 1992, she rekindled a connection with classmate Charles (Chuck) Marlowe, leading to their 1994 marriage. Together, they embraced IU basketball fandom—Chuck having hosted the Bobby Knight Show for 29 years—traveled widely, played golf, and split time in a Bonita Springs, Florida, golf community. Post-retirement, Marian volunteered as a 'Pink Lady' at Methodist Hospital alongside sisters Betty and Fran, honed skills in bridge, reading, sewing, and knitting over 100 custom Christmas stockings, and maintained a 50-plus-year commitment to PEO, shifting from Chapter BI to Chapter G to stay near her daughters.
Devoting herself initially to raising her children, Marian later pursued and completed her undergraduate and master's degrees in education. She launched her teaching career with sixth-grade classes at Park School, eventually spending 25 fulfilling years at Park Tudor, instructing lower and middle school math with a passion that inspired countless students.
Family & Loved Ones
Gathered around holiday tables or cheering at basketball games, Marian infused every family moment with her infectious enthusiasm and knack for celebration. She nurtured her four children—Kathleen Detzler (Donn), Kevin Smith (Laura), Kim Stickney, and Karen Elliott (Bill)—and warmly welcomed stepsons Todd Marlowe (Cyndi), Ben Marlowe (Erinn), and David Marlowe (Cadie), alongside 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, plus a host of nieces and nephews. Her talent for crafting personalized knitted Christmas stockings became a cherished tradition, symbolizing the thoughtful care she extended to all.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from students, colleagues, and relatives capture Marian's essence as a beacon of positivity, with recurring notes on her classroom inspiration, family devotion, and the cheerful outlook that brightened everyday interactions.
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