Aug. 22 - Mimi Rolland remembered for philanthropy

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed tennis, art, piano, music, nature, playing games and philanthropy among many other things, according to her obituary.

She was married July 3, 1955, in Kendallville to Ian. He died July 1, 2017, at the age of 84. The couple had been married for 61 years.

Community donors

A gift of $1 million from the foundation of the couple supported the creation of the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research at the downtown Allen County Public Library. The center, located on the main floor of the library in Fort Wayne, contains original handwritten notes and letters, photos, documents and some furniture related to the 16th president.

The collection was formerly housed in the Lincoln Financial museum in Fort Wayne before Lincoln National Corp. moved its headquarters from the city to Pennsylvania. The materials are now divided between the library and Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites. The library houses and curates two-dimensional items such as photographs and letters. The ISMHS houses three-dimensional items such as clothing owned by the president and first lady, as well as other personal items.

Ian spent 42 years at Lincoln National Corp. He served as chief executive officer and chairman of the board before retiring in 1998.

The Rollands were involved in any arts endeavors in the city: the creation of Headwaters Park, the revitalization of the Embassy Theatre; the creation of the local AIDS task force; and the 55,000 square-foot Art and Visual Communication Center complex of the University of Saint Francis.

The University of Saint Francis issued the following statement about learning of Mimi Rolland’s death:

“The University of Saint Francis is saddened to learn of the passing of our longtime friend and supporter Mimi Rolland. Mimi and her late husband, Ian, contributed greatly to our students and especially to Saint Francis Creative Arts. The Rollands graciously agreed to allow Saint Francis to name the Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center in their honor in the fall of 2000. The University also awarded Mimi a Doctor of Humane Letters in 2016. All of us at Saint Francis extend our heartfelt condolences to the Rolland family during this time of loss.”

Mimi Rolland is survived by her children, Cheri Rolland of Columbus, Indiana; Larry (Irene) Rolland, Kokomo; Bob Rolland, Columbus, Ohio; Carol Rolland, Fort Wayne; and Sara Moore, of Fishers; a sister, Gay (John) Blech; a brother, Gene (Maureen) Flickinger; 15 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

A memorial gathering will be held 2-5 p.m. Aug. 26 at Junior Achievement, 550 E. Wallen Road, Fort Wayne 46825. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 27 at Junior Achievement.

Memorial contributions can be made to Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://tinyurl.com/57nmwms8 for the Rolland family.