Marcia C. Bolin

Marcia grew up in the midst of the Great Depression, but thrived in a household filled with siblings, relatives, and love. She often said her parents provided a happy and nurturing home life for her in spite of the tough times, for which she was eternally grateful.

After graduating from John Adams High School in 1951, she headed to Indiana University to pursue a degree in Education. It was there on a blind date that she met and fell in love with a certain Albert Bolin from Simpsonville, Kentucky. Around Christmas of 1955, they married and enjoyed a whirlwind romance of nearly 61 years until Al’s death in 2016.

Marcia dove headfirst into the teaching profession, and taught for over 35 years in South Bend, New Albany, Indianapolis, and Carmel, Indiana, only pausing long enough to raise two sons. She was primarily focused on elementary school, but also loved her tenure at the middle school level. She completed her Masters in Education at Butler University in 1965.

Marcia’s gift as a teacher was the positive difference she made in the lives of so many of her students. Her legacy is the lasting impact she left on the countless lives she touched – those of her students, her family, and her friends – all a true testament to her passion and purpose.

Marcia was the epitome of a lifelong learner, embracing knowledge and always pursuing new challenges. Because of her love of art, she became a Docent at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She and Al were frequent students at Elderhostels around the country, were passionate about their church, and travelled endlessly around the world. Some of their more exotic trips took them to Egypt, Russia, Scandinavia, Ireland and Germany. Marcia and Al loved the theatre and saw many plays and musicals in New York and Chicago. They also owned a house on the beach at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, where they spent many summers.

Marcia was also a member of the St. Vincent Hospital Guild, was a Stephens Minister at St. Luke United Methodist Church, and was an amateur actress with the St. Luke’s Players. Marcia also found time to play bridge and teach her friends the game of Rummikub!

Marcia was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Al, her brothers Byron and Meredith, and sister Carolyn. She is survived by her sons Paul (Ann), Douglas (Debi), and 5 grandchildren, Courtney, Kevin (Katherine), Brian (Jennifer), Austin and Taylor Anne, her brother Merrill and many nieces, nephews and countless friends. One granddaughter named her “Aps,” a loving nickname that stuck for over 35 years. Marcia often remarked that she was a “lucky duck,” but considered her happy life God’s blessing. She knew in whom she believed.

The family is especially grateful for the care and compassion given by her former neighborhood friends Paula May, Chris McCracken, Marilyn Melangton, Dot Cord and Alice McLaughlin. And finally, the team from Compassus provided hospice comfort for Marcia in the final weeks of her journey, under the guidance of Heather Staten.

Friends and family are invited to gather at a Celebration Of Life on Monday, September 23rd at the Barrington Of Carmel, located at 1335 South Guilford Road in Carmel, Indiana. Visitation will be from 3 – 6 p.m., with a short service at 4 p.m. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to the Carmel Clay Education Foundation.