Mildred C. (Fischer) Dent

Mildred C. (Fischer) Dent, 99, of Indianapolis, passed away on the evening of January 21, 2022, at Greenwood Meadows. Mildred was born on October 7, 1922, in Indianapolis to the late Joseph P. and Kathleen (Mullen) Fischer. She wed the late Eugene Dent in St. John Catholic Church on September 16, 1950. Eugene preceded his wife in death on January 29, 2010.

Mildred was known as very efficient in high school, graduating from St. Agnes Academy in the class of 1940. Mildred briefly worked at Indianapolis Power and Light Company prior to taking on her most important role as a devoted wife and mother.

Known to her family and friends as a supreme volunteer, Mildred was always selflessly devoting her time and resources to others. During World War II, Mildred was one of four women to start the Indianapolis Chapter of the USO. During the war, Mildred worked at Curtis Wright making propellers for the airplanes.

A volunteer at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for over 30 years, Mildred was nominated by the museum for the May Wright Sewall Leadership Award. In 1996, Mildred received the Governor’s Voluntary Action Community Service Award, and in 2011, she received The Golden Hoosier Aware from the Lieutenant Governor. In 1995 she received The Hats Off Award from the Indiana Register.

A faithful Catholic, Mildred was a registered parishioner at St. Jude Catholic Church where she served as a eucharistic minister, but most recently she attended St. Roch Catholic Church. She was a previous member of St. Mark Catholic Church, where she was active as President of the Altar Society. A member of the Benedictine Guild and St. Francis Hospital Pastoral Care, Mildred had a servant’s heart full of initiative.

When not at church, with her family, or serving her community, Mildred enjoyed organizing fundraising events, quilting, handwork, crossword puzzles, and reading the newspaper daily. In her earlier years, she was extremely athletic running track and playing softball. A range of talents, Mildred even sang in a band during the 40’s. She will be affectionately remembered for her sense of humor, thriftiness, and devotion to others. Mildred will be deeply missed.

Along with her parents and beloved husband, Mildred was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Kathleen Fischer and Helene Wyss.

Survivors include her children, Mary Ellen (Jim) McGinnis and Thomas J. (JoAnn) Dent; her grandchildren, Erin (Andrew) Lynch, Megan McGinnis (Daniel Juarez), Allison (Barry) Hurt, and Colleen (Matthew) DeFlorin; great grandchildren, Noah and LiliAna Lynch; and her treasured nieces, Kathann (Charles) Koehler and Jody (Steven) Treadwell.

Mildred’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be on Saturday, January 29, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in St. Roch Catholic Church, 3600 South Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Douglas Hunter in the church at 11:00 AM on Saturday. Following the celebration of Mass, Mildred will be buried in Calvary Cemetery next to Eugene. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, St. Roch Catholic Church, or the Sisters of Providence; envelopes will be provided at the church on Saturday. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share an online condolence with Mildred’s family.