Marjorie Ann Pike
November 20, 1930 — June 15, 2021
Indianapolis, Indiana
Marjorie Ann Pike, 90, of Indianapolis died peacefully surrounded by family on June 15, 2021. She was born November 20,1930, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of the late Thal and Irene (Sweeney) Hollenbeck. She married Donald Hugh Pike on July 15, 1949. He preceded her in death on July 26,1988.
She is survived by four children, Darrell Clyde (Susie) Pike, Donna Joyce (Jeff) Romack, Diane Margaret (Richard) Thornberry, and Dale Thal Pike. She was preceded in death by her stepmother, Mary Hollenbeck; sister, Joyce Marr; and her brother, William Hollenbeck.
Marj was a graduate of Broad Ripple High School. In October 1972 she started working at Castleton Commercial Park (which later became Castleway Corporation) with her good friend Howard (Pete) Peterson. Her son Darrell joined her shortly after and they worked with the Peterson Family for over 37 years. Marj and Darrell went on to work together at Pike Real Estate Services, LLC for 11 years until her death.
“Mimi” valued family over everything and was the number one fan of her 12 grandchildren, Kacy (Tim) Bensch, Erin (Mike) Maynard, Michele (James) Hamstra, Kevin (Julie) Pike, Eric (Lindsey) Romack, Andrea Pierce, Jimmy (Meghan) Pike, David (Libby) Pike, Michael (Stephanie) Thornberry, Danielle (Josh) Treft, Deanna (Dan) Janosko, Emily (Chris) Strait and foster granddaughter Laura Cox (Kevin Tenkku).
Mimi also cherished time with her 28 great grandchildren, Aidan (16), Madeleine (14), and Quinlyn (13) Bensch, Jackson (16), Olivia (14), and Violet (10) Maynard, Will (15), Zachary (13), and Samuel (11) Hamstra, Ava (7) and Dax (5) Romack, Lucille (13), Marjorie (9), and Vivian (6) Pike, Ethan Pierce (13), Audrey (10), Lyla (8), Hudson (4), and Stella (2) Pike, Sarah (12), Megan (11), and Drew (8) Pike, Cody Thornberry (10), Tenley (5) and Hayden (3) Treft, and Harrison (6), Theodore (4) and Penelope (5 mos.) Strait, and Cameron (14) and Connor (13) Makey. Each one was her favorite. She never missed a birthday, always giving each a handwritten note praising them for their parenting, academics, athletic skills, and other interests. Undoubtedly there was always a suggestion to her great grandkids about putting the money in their Purdue college funds!
Diane and Rick fostered 80 children over a 10 year period of time and Mimi welcomed each one into our family. One of the baby girls was even named after her.
Marj was a member of the John Purdue Club but her affection for the school did not end there. She originally bought season tickets when her daughter Donna was a Purdue cheerleader and remained a season ticket holder and then a co-ticket holder with her son Dale for a cumulative 47 years. Tailgating was a highlight over the years, and everyone can attest to her food being the best. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2017 she could no longer attend the games, but she still made sure the tailgate food was prepared and ready to go – a true labor of love for her family and the Boilermakers.
Marj considered Gregory Farris her closest friend. For 47 years, and especially after the death of her husband, Greg was her constant companion and support. They loved live music, watched every kind of sporting event, ate dinner together every night, both taking turns cooking – everyone is well acquainted with cheeseburger and taco night! Greg’s presence in her life brought Marj comfort and companionship. Her family is thankful for his devotion and faithfulness.
Marj was loved by everyone who knew her. She was always welcoming and hospitable. Her life was an example of treating others with kindness and consideration, as she lived her faith each day. She advocated for and was a stalwart supporter of her family. She had strong opinions, but her interaction with others was always thoughtful and respectful. She was gracious, generous, selfless, and continued to give even in death as a tissue donor to Indiana Donor Network.
After her cancer diagnosis, Philippians 4:6-7 became important to her.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Memorial services for Marjorie will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 3650 West 106th Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the time of service at the church. Please call the church office if you plan to attend the service 317-846-2221.
To view the livestream of Marjorie’s service please click here.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Purdue University Center for Cancer Research
or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
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