Carole Calabresa Garstang

Carole Calabresa Garstang, of Indianapolis, would have celebrated her 86th birthday on January 31, 2026. She passed away surrounded by family after a long and courageous journey through illness. Born of proud Italian and Norwegian heritage, Carole lived a life defined by intellect, leadership, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her community.

Carole grew up in Milwaukee and she graduated from the University of Wisconsin, where she was an esteemed member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. During her college years, she was honored as an American Dairyland Princess; promoting Wisconsin agricultural products and touring with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans; a role that reflected her beauty, poise, confidence, and early talent for public engagement. She spent summers working at Allen-Bradley, where she met the man who would become her husband and lifelong partner.

She began her professional life as a teacher in Minneapolis before moving to Indianapolis as a young bride at age 23. She became the first woman to teach political science and government at Brebeuf Preparatory School, breaking barriers in what had been an all-male faculty. An article in the social column of the newspaper at the time heralded her city arrival with “Players introduces bride to the city,” but she quickly became far more than that—she became a force in Indianapolis civic life.

Carole was an active member of the Junior League, contributing to Christamore House and numerous community initiatives. She participated in the Players Club, The Dramatic Club, Lambs Club, and The Fortnightly Literary Club. Her passion for the arts extended to the stage where she acted in productions at the Civic Theatre and directed many productions for the Players Club and The Dramatic Club. She often performed alongside her husband, and she loved to say, “Some families go camping. Our family goes to the theater.”

Carole was the Chairman of the Board for WFYI Public Media (the home of NPR and Channel 20), where she hosted her own program, Look Around. She served as the Director of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC), during William H Hudnut III’s tenure. GIPC was a critical private-public partnership that drove major urban renewal projects, such as the city’s initiative to establish itself as the amateur sports capital. Her career also included the directorship of Small Employer Market for Blue Cross Blue Shield and her work as Director of the Central Indiana Council on Aging (CICOA).

She is perhaps best known as the long-time executive director of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), leading the organization from the early 1990s until her retirement in 2003. Her work at KIB contributed to the city’s reputation for environmental stewardship and community engagement through neighborhood-based projects.

Mayor William Hudnut honored her service by declaring June 14th “Carole Garstang Day” in the City of Indianapolis.

She served as Vice President of Education at the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, where she created the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Program—a program that continues today, shaping generations of young leaders and strengthening the civic fabric of Indianapolis.

Carole was president of the Metropolitan Arts Council, on the board of Directors of the Indianapolis Civic Theatre, a member of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, President of the Contemporary Club, President of the Lions Head Condominium Association, a member of The Woodstock Club, and The Riviera Club. She served as a deacon at Second Presbyterian Church where she also founded one of the city’s top nursery school programs.

Carole cherished her role as ‘Gigi’ to her grandchildren, William and Alexander McKinney, pouring her energy, creativity, and love into their lives. She made sure they attended Camp Tecumseh every summer, giving them experiences that shaped their confidence, independence, and sense of adventure. She was also a constant presence in their school years, helping facilitate extracurricular activities, school functions, travel and special events, always ensuring they had every opportunity to learn, grow, and shine. Her influence on her grandsons was profound, lasting, and deeply felt.

She was also a devoted mother to several dachshunds over the years, each one adored.

Married to her husband for 62 years, Carole built a family life filled with tradition, humor, and strong opinions. She loved to say, “Our family is all chiefs and no Indians,” a line delivered with her signature wit. She treasured travel with her birthday club, needlepointing, antique collecting, and continuing the Garstang family legacy in the city of Indianapolis. Her love of history, books, and the quiet sanctuary of the library shaped her daily life.

Carole lived by the Seven Ps— “Proper Prior Planning Prohibits Pitiful Poor Performance”—a mantra she repeated often and lived by. She also drew inspiration from this quote attributed to Golda Meir: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I?” These words reflected her belief in personal responsibility, civic duty, and the urgency of personal action.

Carole is survived by her husband,Stephen W. Garstang, Sr; her children, Julia and Stephen; grandchildren, William (Zoe) and Alexander McKinney; her sister Betty (Carl) and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Helen Calabresa.

Her life was full, complex, and uniquely hers. She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, learned from her strength, and will carry her memory forward.

A celebration of Carole’s life will be held in June.