Molly Stark Donikian

Molly Stark Donikian, 78, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on August 8, 2025. Born in Malone, New York, on August 31, 1946, Molly was the eldest daughter of eight children of Leigh and Frances (Costlow) Stark. From an early age, she embraced a nurturing role, caring deeply for her younger siblings—a gift she extended throughout her life to friends, family, and colleagues, who often said, “She was like a mother to me.”

Molly earned her B.A. from the College of Saint Rose in Albany followed by a master’s degree in Classics from SUNY Albany. She and her husband, Andre R. Donikian, met and married in Albany, New York, and had two daughters, Janine Weaver and Claudine Donikian, with whom she remained exceptionally close. Molly and her family moved to Indianapolis in 1972.

While raising her daughters, she supported her husband Andre as he launched his business, Pentera, Inc. Molly later served as a Latin teacher, board president, registrar, and treasurer at her daughters’ school, The Children’s House—roles she continued in for many years.

Molly served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Pentera, managing all aspects of human resources and finance through Andre’s retirement in 2010. She continued in that same role—never retiring—after her daughter Claudine became President and CEO, bringing the same dedication, precision, and care to every client project. An integral part of Pentera’s success, Molly established and managed the company’s pivotal proofreading department and developed processes that ensured Pentera’s nonprofit clients sent out flawlessly written and edited planned giving materials to their donors.

Molly was a phenomenal cook, baker, and pastry maker—self-taught through mastering Julia Child’s recipes. She and Andre loved traveling together, whether across the U.S. for work or to Europe for vacation, with Paris holding a special place in their hearts. Molly also returned regularly to the Stark family camp on Lake Titus, near Malone, New York—a sacred place to her throughout her life.

Beyond her professional achievements, Molly was defined by her boundless kindness, generosity, and maternal spirit. She cared deeply for others—their health, their families, and their well-being—always with quiet grace and unwavering love. Her daughters and grandsons—Maxwell, JohnStark, and Charlie—were the pride of her life. Her friendships spanned decades, each one marked by loyalty, warmth, and genuine connection.

Molly was predeceased by her husband, Andre; her parents, Frances and Leigh; her brothers, Milton and Rossiter; and her sister, Ann. She is survived by her daughters, Janine Weaver (Doug) and Claudine Donikian (Chris Blake), who are endlessly grateful for her loving guidance; her cherished grandsons, Maxwell, JohnStark, and Charles Weaver; her siblings, James Stark, Wallace Stark (Susan), Marilynn Stark, Cynthia Stark, and Ellen Stark (James); and many dear nieces and nephews.

The world feels dimmer without Molly’s presence. Yet just when the darkness begins to settle, her beautiful smile comes to mind—radiating a sweetness and kindness so pure and bright that the light returns once again.

We love you, Mom. We will see you again.

Visitation will be held at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home, 11411 N. Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN, 46077, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Zoo.