Mildred Millie T Teplitz Fisher

Mildred T. Fisher, “Millie”, 104, of Largo, passed away peacefully with family members at her side on December 21, 2012 in her Pinecrest Place apartment. Known to one and all as 'Millie', she was born in Chicago, IL in 1908. Her keen mind was evident early on as she finished high school at age 15 and graduated from the University of Illinois at 19 with majors in elementary education and history. She accepted her first teaching job at age 20 which began the trend that continued up to her death of people radically underestimating her age. In that case, it was her school principal questioning why she was in the hallway without a pass before Millie correctly informed him that she was actually not a student but one of his teachers.

While at the U of I, she met Ralph Fisher on a college double date. Instantly smitten, Ralph deftly grabbed her coat to insure they would be a couple. Married in 1930, they lived in northwestern Chicago and raised three sons, Don, Allan and Jim. Ralph retired in 1972, and the couple moved to Florida where together they indulged their passion for dancing, golfing and playing bridge until Ralph's death in May of 1978.

Millie continued her active life style, and was especially proud of her hole-in-one in 1989. She continued to drive safely into her 100's, even at night, making her even more popular among her friends at Lakeview Largo condominiums. Millie was 'health conscious' even before that term came became popular, providing a constant stream of the latest tips in nutrition and fitness to both family and friends. After her 2010 move to Pinecrest Place, with an apartment view overlooking the golf course, she continued her activities as a member of the League of Women voters, using her computer to email and Skype, attending the theater and playing bridge all while volunteering at the Largo Library and Suncoast Hospital.

She was preceded in death by Ralph, her second husband Lou Pisano and her oldest son, Donald.

Millie is survived by her sons Allan and Jim, her daughters-in-law Linda Stoller, Terry Fisher and Pat Gasway, and her five grandchildren and their spouses. In addition, she was loved and adored by nine great grandchildren: Chris and Kathy Fisher, parents of Sydney and Kelsey; Merida Murray; David and Julia Fisher, parents of Luke and Mia; Tracy and Eric Carlson, parents of Noah, Sofia and Arabella; and Forrest and Allison Fisher, parents of Maxwell and Annika.

To her family and all her friends who will greatly miss her smile, Millie leaves behind infinite memories of a funny, intelligent and compassionate woman. It is amazing to realize that Millie, who was orphaned at age four, lived this marvelous caring life without any parents for the next 100 years. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, what counts is not the length of years she lived but the example she set during those years of unselfishness, service and love for others.

Funeral arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st St. Seminole, FL 33776 727-391-0121