Barbara Alden Molnar Fisher

Barbara Alden Molnar Fisher, 75, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, August 29. A devoted wife and mother, Barbara was also a gifted writer and artist, community leader, and lifelong learner with an independent, energetic, and determined spirit. Her beautiful smile brightened every room and set everyone at ease. Born in Hamilton, OH, May 30, 1942, to the late George W. and Marion Drew Molnar, Barbara is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Thomas G. Fisher, sister Virginia Burks , W. Lafayette, daughter Anne Craun (Mitchell), Converse, IN, and son Thomas (Catherine) of Indianapolis. She also has seven grandchildren, Mollie Craun of Chicago, Natalie and Cory Craun, Converse, and Graham, Emily, Anna and Danny Fisher, all of Indianapolis.

Barbara graduated from Elizabethtown, KY High School in 1960. She attended Earlham College until 1962, then transferred to Indiana University, earning a BA in 1964 and an MLS in 1968. She later took psychology courses at Purdue University and St. Joseph’s College. Barbara and Tom were married June 2, 1963 in Beck Chapel on the IU campus.

In 1965, the couple moved to Remington, IN, and Barbara became director of the Jasper County Public Library while Tom established his law practice. When son Tom was born, Barbara became a stay-at-home mom, but started a preschool, and later a kindergarten, when daughter Anne was of age. Over the years she pursued various professional activities, including reporting for the Rensselaer Republican, writing freelance, and editing the Remington Press. She also served as Director of the Jasper County Council on Aging, sold advertising for the Lafayette Business Digest, and became Associate Editor and Advertising Director for the Purdue Alumnus. Barbara also founded multiple businesses, including Barbara’s Plants and WordsWork (a business communications firm). After moving to the Indianapolis area, she served as Adult Services Coordinator at the Plainfield Public Library and Information Center Clerk at the Associated Group (Anthem). More recently, she started Bodyworks Studio, a professional massage therapy business.

While in Jasper County, Barbara served a number of volunteer organizations, including the Remington Park Board (where she was instrumental in planning a new town park) and the Tri-County Community School Holding Corp. (where she helped plan a new elementary school building). She also volunteered for Jasper County Planned Parenthood, Jasper County Mental Health Association, Jasper County Comprehensive Development Center., Tri-County Artist in School program, Jasper County Welfare Board, Jasper County Tax Adjustment Board, and Jasper County Coalition for Battered Women. Barbara was also a member of Remington Reading Club and Rensselaer Presbyterian Church and was a den mother for Cub Scouts. Barbara was also a former member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis Northeast. She had several hobbies, including art, gardening and reading.

In 1978 she was listed as an Outstanding Young Woman of America. In 1984 she received the Vanguard Award from the Greater Lafayette Chapter of the Women in Communications Inc. In 1985 she was listed in Who's Who of American Women. In retirement, Barbara became more involved in her lifelong passion, art (particularly painting, drawing, and pastels) by taking classes at the Indianapolis Art Center. Many of Barbara’s paintings hang in the Fisher home and the homes of her children.

A memorial service will be held at Noon on September 23, 2017, at First Friends Meeting, 3030 Kessler Blvd, East Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46220, with calling from 10-12. A private interment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, c/o Tim Lee, 1072 Meriman Dr., Greenwood, IN 46143, The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation, c/o Rotary Club of Indianapolis, 650 N. Meridian St, Ste. 1A, Indianapolis IN 46204, or Earlham College, Institutional Advancement, Drawer 193, 801 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374.