Mary Jane Failey

Mary Jane Alford Failey affectionately known as Majie, passes on August 4, 2023. She was 100.

First child of Dorothy H. Alford and Herbert W. Alford, she was born in New York City on October 21.1922. Raised in Indianapolis, she attended Tudor Hall School and Shortridge High School before graduating from Dana Hall Boarding School in Wellesley, Mass. After graduating from Pine Manor Junior College also in Wellesley, she came back to Indiana University in Bloomington to complete her four year degree in French. There she joined Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and also was the President of the French House where only French was spoken.

In 1945, she joined the staff at The Indianapolis News where she enjoyed being one of the first women editors. She was a strong community networker and informed readers of subjects ranging from weddings to The Juvenile Center for delinquent children. She continued on contributing to the emerging cultural scene of Indianapolis and beyond including a series on Japan. While writing and researching she developed lasting friendships with many authors including poet laureate of Illinois, Carl Sandburg and Indianapolis's own Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. In 1975 she became part owner and helped launch Indianapolis Monthly Magazine. She authored: Forgive Us Our Press Passes, The Sweeter The Onion, and We Never Danced Cheek to Cheek.

Beyond her journalistic achievements, Majie was a member of many Indianapolis organizations: Dramatic Club, Junior League, and Garden Club of America. She held Trustee positions at Orchard Country Day School, the Children's Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum.

She enjoyed membership at Woodstock Country Club in Indianapolis, The Little Harbor Club in Harbor Springs, MI, and The Desert Mountain Club in Desert Mountain, AZ. She was a lifetime member of Trinity Episcopal Church and their St. Margaret’s Guild.

Majie was preceded in death by her husband, William H.C. Failey and step-son William H.C. Failey, Jr. (Patricia) She is survived by her children: William Alford Zaring (Barbara ), Catherine Zaring Boll (Charles), Gaye Ann Mueller, step-son John Noel Failey (Julia); grandchildren, Carey Zaring Fisher (Michael) William Christopher Zaring (Erin), Mary Catherine Alford "Casey" Boll (Benjamin Clark), Jeffrey Michael Mueller (Katie); step-grandchildren Julia S. Failey (Desmond Vindici), Elisabeth Wagner (Matthew), William C. Failey (Brooke), Abigail Failey; and 16 great grandchildren. She is also survived by friend and longtime companion Lute Thompson of Phoenix, AZ.

The family would like to thank all caregivers and Care Hospice and their outstanding team of caregivers for the extraordinary, compassionate care Majie received.

Services: Tuesday, August 15, 1PM at Crown Hill Gothic Chapel

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eiteljorg Museum.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Failey family.