Marilyn Behymer Shapiro East

Marilyn Behymer Shapiro East, 92, former journalist at the Indianapolis Star and the Indianapolis News for 26 years, passed away June 1, 2015. Born in New Point, IN, in 1923, she moved to Indianapolis a year later with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ervin O. Behymer. Marilyn was a 1945 Cum Laude graduate of Butler University, where she was a member and president of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and served as national public relations representative on the Grand Council after graduation. Mrs. East joined the staff of the Indianapolis Star Society Department, where she was a feature writer, assistant society editor, and covered many social events. Interviews included those with Perle Mesta, “The Washington hostess with the mostest,” Dorothy Thompson, well-known woman journalist. She featured movie stars, such as Clark Gable, in the city to make a racing movie, and other stars such as Barbara Stanwyck, Loretta Young and Arlene Dahl, who came to Indianapolis to present the Borg-Warner Trophy and a kiss to the winner of the 500-mile race. She wrote a series for five years, entitled, “White Collar Girl.” In later years, while at the Indianapolis News, many of these women were the subject of a series. “Women on the Go,” and “Where Are They Now.” At the news, her column, “Skirting the Town,” reported on social and philanthropic events. Another weekly column, “Campus Corner,” featured Hoosier Students. Mrs. East was a part of the award-winning team at the News for the series, “Notable Women.” She also covered home furnishing, fashions, and food. She held membership in the Indiana State Women’s Press Club, Theta Sigma Phi Fraternity, journalism honorary, and the Indianapolis Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi. At Second Presbyterian Church, she served as Deacon and Elder. She was a member of the Auxiliary to the Boys’ Clubs and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis. For the 100th anniversary, she wrote and edited the history of the organization. During World War II, she volunteered at the Indianapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross in the Canteen at Stout Field. Visitation will be held, Monday, June 8, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St. Memorial contributions may be made to the James R. East Scholarship Fund, c/o Central Indiana Community Foundation, 615 Alabama St., Ste. 119, Indianapolis, IN 46204, and/or Second Presbyterian Church and/or Thomas Carr Howe High School Alumni Scholarship Fund and/or any organization of the donor’s choice. She was the widow of Jack Shapiro, television personality; and Dr. James R. East, Liberal Arts Dean Emeritus of Indiana-Purdue University at Indianapolis. Survivors are children, Dr. David P. Shapiro (Aruni), Rev. Timothy Shapiro (Gretchen), and Sara Shapiro Davis (Kelley); stepchildren, Allegra Lynn East, Dr. Deidre East Guerrettaz (Stuart), Guy M. East (Marsha) and Gregory East (Charlotte); 19 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Final care and funeral arrangements are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel.

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Marilyn Behymer Shapiro East

April 16, 1923 - June 1, 2015