Mary Whalin

Mary Ellen (Faenzi) Whalin passed away peacefully March 31, 2024 after suffering a massive stroke at the age of 97.

She was born in Mishawaka, IN to Otto and Olga Faenzi on October 24, 1926. The family later moved to Indianapolis and resided on S. East St. and then to the eastside in the 1400 block of N. Gladstone Ave. when she was about 11 years old. She graduated from St Mary’s Academy in 1944.

After graduation she worked at the Ayres Tea Room as a waitress and later at Sharper & Gardner Electric Co. where she met her future husband, William (Bill) Whalin. They were married on April 29, 1950 and were married for almost 59 years. They became parents to 2 daughters, Carol and Jean.

She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on May 10, 1952 and on September 1, 1983 she began the full time public witnessing work as a pioneer. She continued on the pioneer list for 41 years until her death.

She enjoyed working around the house, gardening, shopping and cooking, especially Italian food. She also liked to play cards, particularly euchre. In her later years she enjoyed working crossword puzzles and cryptoquips.

She is survived by her brother, George Faenzi and his wife Sheila; her sister, JoAnn Wilson; her daughter, Carol Faenzi and her husband Lloyd Brooks; daughter, Jean Stailey and her husband Mark.