Marjorie "Lou" Fagan

Lou Fagan was one of a kind. Or some may say “two of a kind.” Born July 21, 1935, to John Marion and Dolly Walborn, she shared her entrance into this world with her beloved identical twin sister, Sue (Merz). For many years, they would be known affectionately as “SueLou.” When asked which one she was in childhood pictures, Lou would laugh and say it’s impossible to tell! Lou passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Her family had gathered together that day, toasted to her life and thanked her for all that she created and gave to all of us. She was, and is, loved immeasurably and will be missed forever.

Lou grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana with her five siblings. She attended North Side High School and after graduation, became a secretary at Lincoln National Life, with Sue by her side. It was at Lincoln Life that she was introduced to Sue’s boss, Jim Fagan. Jim and Lou married on October 5, 1957 in a ceremony at St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Children soon followed – Debra, Mary, Elizabeth and Dan. She and Jim raised their children and shared many holidays, vacations and adventures alongside sister Sue and brother-in-law Tom and their four kids. Jim’s career would take the family to Jeffersonville IN in 1978, followed by a move to Bloomington IN where they enjoyed their retirement years.

Lou approached each day with enthusiasm and endless energy. She was intelligent, resilient and always maintained her poise. She always wore a gentle smile (and red lipstick) that immediately put others at ease.

She never whined (and wouldn’t tolerate it). She cried whenever she heard the hymn “Ave Maria”. But mostly, she laughed. A lot.

She was always there to help raise her 11 grandchildren, gave practical and worthy advice, and never forgot a birthday.

She loved IU basketball, volunteering at Meals on Wheels or at the Bloomington hospital, hosting the family’s ‘college kids’ in Bloomington for Sunday dinners and the word “Woo”, which could be used in all contexts, good or bad.

Her favorite place was Hilton Head Island SC, where Lou and Sue and their families have vacationed every October for over 50 years.

Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim Fagan, her siblings: John Walborn (Jackie), Mary Habig (Howard), Viv Regedanz (Dick), Jo Wildermuth (Bob), and Sue Merz (Tom), and her son-in-law, David Butler.

She is survived by her children Debra, Mary (David), Elizabeth (Bernie) and Dan (Marilynn). Also, her 11 grandchildren: Daniel Butler (Jessica), Annie Butler (Ryan), Ben Butler, Michael Houlihan (Megan), Jonny Cook, Jack Funck (Jessica), Nick Funck (Julia), Alex Funck (Mia), Patrick Fagan, Joe Fagan (Julie), and Mary Claire Fagan (Eric) and her great-grandchildren Frances and Audrey Butler, Sloane Houlihan Long, Madison Funck, Henry and Adeline Funck and Louise (Lou) Fagan. And last but not least, her loyal and beloved dog Dugan, who she often referred to as a ‘mama’s boy’.

Lou’s family will forever be indebted to the caring staff of the Memory Care Unit at the Forum at the Crossing in Indianapolis. They provided a safe, loving home for Lou in the past year and a half and treated her like family. We are so very thankful for their kindness and professional care.