Mildred Eileen Little Foncannon

To Mildred Eileen Foncannon, the entire world was a joy. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Mildred, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Mildred really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Mildred was born on October 17, 1921 at home in Clinton, Indiana. Her parents were Harlo Everett Little and Goldie Edith (Lewis) Little. Mildred was raised in Clinton, Indiana. Even as a child, Mildred had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family.

Always a good playmate, Mildred was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was. Mildred was raised with 4 siblings. She had 2 older sisters Helen Edith and Clara Jane and two younger siblings, Harlo Everett Jr. and Margaret Ellen.

Mildred simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of her friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Mildred, grades may not have been the most important thing to her, but she really did enjoy her school experience. Mildred graduated from St. Bernice High School in 1939.

On September 9, 1939 Mildred exchanged wedding vows with John Amos Foncannon at the Justice of the Peace of New Port, Indiana. She loved her Johnnie so much and was a loyal and faithful companion to him for 60 years. She nursed him through multiple bouts of cancer and never wavered in her love for him even as his mind was changed by Alzheimer's in his later years.

Mildred found great joy in raising her children. Mildred was blessed with one daughter Nancy Sue and one son John Joseph. Mildred and John were also blessed with 6 grandchildren; Robert John, Jennifer Eileen, John Weston, Crista Sue, Mark Joseph and Michael Jeffrey. Mildred loved her family and she could spend hours playing games with them.

Mildred enjoyed working and being around people. Her primary occupation was being a receptionist/bookkeeper. She was employed for Indiana Steel, Brown's dairy, Dr M. DeGrazzia and Harvey's Dime Store.

Mildred enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were talking with her friends, playing all types of games, quilting, crafts of many sorts and cooking.

Mildred was an avid bowler on a ladies league for many years. Earning many bowling trophies over the years. Mildred was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were to watch the Chicago White Sox play baseball.

Throughout her life, Mildred was an active member of the Women of the Moose in Valparaiso, IN. She was also in many gaming clubs for years and years where she developed many of her lasting relationships with her friends.

Favorite vacations included her trips to visit her children and grandchildren in the many locations that they have been throughout the years including the Philippines, Europe, the mountains of NC and our nations capital.

Mildred believed that you had to experience life, and her life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 1986, Mildred took it in stride as one more way to have fun. She remained active her gaming clubs and crafting groups until she moved. She stayed in their home in Valparaiso where she cared for her beloved Johnnie until he passed away in 1999. She then moved to Raleigh, NC in 2001 to be closer to her daughter Nancy Sue.

Mildred passed away on April 27, 2015 at Crabtree Valley Rehab Center. She passed peacefully in her sleep on the evening that she went to be with our Lord at the age of 93. She is survived by her daughter Nancy Sue Maple her husband Bob, her son John Joseph Foncannon and his wife Karen, as well as her six grandchildren, their spouses and her 12 great grandchildren. Services were held at Asbury United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC. Mildred was laid to rest in Terre Haute, Indiana at Roselawn Cemetery.

Mildred brought joy to all of those around her. She loved to laugh and spend time with her friends and family. Mildred Eileen Foncannon will be remembered with a smile.