Mary Margaret Bancroft

Mary Margaret Bancroft, 83, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on August 14, 2024. She was born on July 5, 1941, to the late Robert F. and Rowenah (McMillin) Bancroft. 

Mary, sister, friend, teacher, animal lover, generous, photographer, knitter, gardener, collector, caring, intelligent, and inquisitive.

Mary was big sister to Tina. She was three years older leading the way. They would play dolls together and Mary would sit Tina, the dolls and teddy bears in a row pull out her black board and start to teach. Mary was a born teacher.

Mary’s father built a house on a lake not far from the home in Jackson, Michigan, so the family could spend the summer vacations out at “the lake” swimming and enjoying the beautiful fresh air and sunshine. This was a wonderful time for the whole family. A lot of memories were made especially with the summer family reunions.

Mary loved teaching. She made friends with many of her students and enjoying the contact developed with Facebook. She would tell Tina about a student she had heard from and how special that was to her. Facebook was a great joy to her. She had friends from around the world.

Mary married, and during that time earned her Master’s degree and sent her husband through med school. Unfortunately, the marriage did not work out. She moved out taking her two kitties, KatKat and Pumpkin.

Her cats kept her happy. Mary always had cats up to 6 at one time. Cats were extremely important part of Mary’s life, and she would add a stray to her household if she could not find a good home for the cat.

Photography was another passion with Mary. She purchased one of the first cameras that used a memory card, loving the idea of seeing the picture before it was printed.

In the spring, Mary’s home was surrounded with beautiful daffodils, her favorite flower, and always had a beautiful garden of hosta, day lilies, tulips, and peonies. 

Mary saw a parrot in a pet store and had to have it, Dolly. She loved that bird more than you can imagine. Dolly helped Mary through her parents death by just being there. Dolly got lose and in spite of every effort Dolly could not be found. After that Mary was a totally changed person.

As time passed Mary’s health deteriorated but she was sure she could overcome her difficulties. Her problems did not change her from a loving caring person with a bright and beautiful smile. 

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, August 23, from 4 pm to 6 pm, with a Memorial Service at 6 pm, at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple, 1305 E. Broad Ripple Avenue. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in Mary’s name to The National Wildlife Federation.