Mary Mae Zinkan

Mary Mae (Stamper) Zinkan, 99, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on March 16, at the Forum at the Crossing. We are grateful to the staff for their great care and comfort.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of family, faith, love, and joyful energy. She was small but mighty!

Mary was born July 14, 1926, in a small house in Indianapolis to Samuel Aden Stamper and Alta May Stamper. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph M. Zinkan; sister, Helen Stamper Smith; brother, William H. Stamper.

She is survived by her children: Stephen (Catherine) Zinkan, Patricia (Donald) Holtz, and Peter (Marla) Zinkan. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Christine (Chris) Coleman, Kyle (Dave) Redmond, Brian (Sarah) Holtz, Laura Holtz, Mark (Bethany) Holtz, Samuel(Juanita) Zinkan, Joseph(Sammie Jo) Zinkan, twelve great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their families.

Mary graduated from Manual High School and from the Jordan College of Music, where she was a member of the Phi Sigma Mu fraternity. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Music from Butler University. A lifelong music educator, Mary devoted her career to teaching and inspiring young people. She spent 27 years as a music teacher at Harcourt Elementary School in Washington Township.

A devoted member of Christ the King Catholic Church for 77 years, Mary was deeply involved in parish life. She served as a Cub Scout leader and participated in the Drama Club, Women’s Club, Euchre Club, Knitting Club, Ugly Quilts group, and a substitute teacher. She was a parish entertainer with the Mickey Finn Group, performing with the Drama Club, at parish fish fries and horse racing evening events. One of her most beloved traditions was dressing as a leprechaun and dancing with fourth-grade students as they marched in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. In recognition of her joyful service, she received the Spirit of Christ the King Award in 2017.

Family was the center of Mary’s life. She loved all children, but especially her own family—her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She eagerly anticipated family gatherings and made them a priority throughout her life. She especially loved decorating for holidays and continued hosting festive celebrations for family and friends well into her 90s.

Mary could never sit still. As a child, she earned the nickname “Doodle,” with her family comparing her to a doodlebug that never stopped moving. The name stayed with her throughout her life, and most family members affectionately called her Doodle.

Her hands were rarely idle. Mary spent countless hours sewing garments, decorations, home goods, and costumes. When she wasn’t at her sewing machine, she kept busy knitting, crocheting, embroidering, and doing crewel work, creating dozens of beautiful handmade items for family and friends.

At age 77, after the death of her husband, Mary returned to playing tennis and took up line dancing. Already playing clarinet in one band, she joined another and continued performing with the New Horizon Band until she was 97. She also loved gardening, flower arranging, playing games and cards, and gathering people together in song. Mary loved accompanying, via piano, guitar or ukulele, sing-alongs or gatherings. She mostly played from memory. She continued playing the piano until the end of her life.

Visitation will be April 7, 2026, from 9:30 AM-11, with the funeral following at 11 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 N. Crittenden Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Christ the King Catholic School, or to New Horizons Band, 8601 Sunlight Dr. Fishers, IN 46037