Mary Jean Black Faust

Mary Jean Black Faust passed away peacefully after a long battle with COPD on Oct. 20, 2022. She was born in 1935 to Marguerite and Charles Black and was sister to Peg (Jonas), Ralph Black, Gilbert Black, and Steve Black. Mary became a strong student, gifted singer, and talented artist, graduating from Arsenal Technical High School in 1953. She remained lifelong friends with her grade school classmates and enjoyed monthly lunches with them. Mary followed her sister and became certified as a registered nurse at Indianapolis General Hospital (aka Wishard Hospital) in 1957. She worked at St. John's Hospital in Anderson, City Hospital in Springfield, Ohio; and in the office of her late husband, Howard Faust Jr., MD. Mary served the community through various organizations and activities. She has been a member of the Loan Cupboard Cancer Society and sat on the United Way Awards Board. She served as president of the Madison County Medical Auxiliary. Mary volunteered as a nurse at Leach Elementary School in Anderson, and led a committee to build a new consolidated high school. Her love for singing did not cease after graduating from Tech: She worked with the Evening Musicale in Anderson and sang in the choir at Central Christian Church. Mary enjoyed participating in politics and was fortunate to have met and dined with several U.S. vice presidents and Presidents George H. W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. Perhaps her greatest legacy was her love of family. Married to Howard M. Faust Jr., MD, in June 1956, she raised their five children, H. Erick (Laura) Faust, Kristen (Mark) Ogle, Heidi (Jim) Hogshire, Karen (Tod) Custer, and Rebecca (Kevin) McClain. Her heart belonged to her beloved grandchildren, Howard Nicholas and Amy Faust; Reva Ogle (Bryce) Derhammer and their daughter Alaira; Cooper Ogle; Abigail Ogle (Brian) Bracht; Amelia McClain (Michael) Spivey; Madison and Alana McClain; S. Drake Custer; and Anna Custer (Brandon) Slinker. She also loved and doted on her siblings, Peg (Robert) Jonas, Ralph (Jane) Black, Steve (Linda) Black, and Gilbert (Parthenia) Black, and their children as well as her husband's families. It was often said that she was the unofficial mom for the students at Frankton and Anderson High School during the late 1970s and 1980s and maintained lovely relationships with many up to her passing. Mary's social life revolved around church, bridge club, IU basketball and football, Lake Webster, and dogs. Mary was preceded in death by her husband; a sister; parents; brother, (Gil); and babies, Frederick, Gretchen, and Paul. She will be sorely missed but is rewarded with a lovely new life with Jesus. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the funeral home. Private interment will take place at Grovelawn Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison County Humane Society or Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Condolences may be shared online at www.LooseCares.com.

Mary Jean Black Faust

October 20, 2022