Martha Lynne McCardle

Martha Lynne Bolte McCardle

84, passed away August 30th, 2017 of complications of lung cancer. She was born in Indianapolis to the late Martha Belle Pierce Bolte and John Henry Bolte. She graduated from Howe High School and Butler University where she majored in Radio and TV. Later in her adult life, she obtained a Master's Degree in Business Administration from University of Indianapolis. She worked at Western Electric and for American United Life Insurance until retirement. Martha ran for and was elected to the Indianapolis School Board in the early 1970's and was president of that board 1975-1976. She was then appointed by Governor Bowen to the Indiana State Board of Vocational and Technical Education on which she served until 1978.

Martha was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and served twice as Alumnae Chapter President. She also had a love for volunteering at the Indianapolis Zoo. She was a member of the Zoo Guild from 1969-1978, serving as president of the Zoo Guild 1970-1971 and Chairman of Christmas at the Zoo in 1974. At that time there were fewer than 100 Zoo volunteers and these dedicated women made many of the decorations for the event which is now one of the highlights of the Christmas season in our city. Martha passed on her love of the Zoo to her children and grandchildren; two generations of zoo volunteers followed in her footsteps and her granddaughter currently works at the zoo.

Martha McCardle was a smart, independent and talented woman who did many positive things that she'll be remembered for. She gave back in countless ways and stayed active well into her eighth decade.

Martha was a knitter and spent many hours making projects for mission outreach through her church. She loved to plant flowers and had beautiful perennial gardens. She also was an excellent card player, delighting in regular games of bridge with her longtime friend, Patsy Jones. They were a formidable team, winning their final bridge match just three weeks ago.

Martha's other love was singing. She began in Starlight Musicals as a young woman. Later she sang in the Meridian Street United Methodist Church chancel choir, singing tenor with the men! She had a beautiful, resonant low voice which served her well when she narrated the occasional Christmas Cantata with the choir. She proudly sang for 30 years with the Capital City Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, these years were filled with shows, competitions and performances of all kinds. The Capital City Chorus is recognized as one of central Indiana's finest acapella women's singing organizations. She also served the chorus as financial manager for many years.

Martha was married to John J. McCardle (deceased Jan. 2017) for 22 years and they had two children, Matthew John McCardle (deceased) and Lynne McCardle Stern. Martha is survived by Lynne; grandchildren, Natalie and Richard; sister, Natalie Lavengood (Peter); niece, Carol Lavengood (Steve Prosser); and nephew, P.K. Lavengood (Carla). She is also survived by two spoiled cats, Coco and Foxy.

Services for Martha will be at Meridian Street United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 6th with calling from 5-7pm and funeral immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Capital City Chapter Sweet Adelines, Inc or to the Indianapolis Zoo would honor Martha's legacy of good music and her love of animals.