Obituary of Charlene Lisa Dent

Charlene Lisa Rojas was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 17, 1960. The oldest of four children, she weathered a difficult early childhood, as she was orphaned at age seven and placed into foster care. Char and her sister Cindy eventually settled into a safe and stable family environment with the Eick family, who adopted them while also raising eight children of their own. In spite of challenging beginnings, Char emerged with amazing gifts of compassion, generosity, a fun-loving nature, and an immense appreciation of the arts.Char graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary grammar school and James B Conant High School. In school, Char's artistic talents were quickly recognized both by her peers and with awards and scholarship offers. But her path did not immediately lead to college; instead she entered the workforce, enjoying her time at Comdisco (1981-86) and Mario Conte Excavating (1986-88). She was married from 1982-89.Char began working for Waste Management in 1989 and quickly established herself, rising to leader of the graphic design group. She met Paul Dent and they struck an immediate bond. They were married in 1992 and moved to southwestern Ohio in early 1993. There they built their first home together, and Char earned a BFA in communication design from the Art Academy of Cincinnati. In 1997, they moved to Springfield, Virginia to be closer to Paul's dad. And then miraculously, after years of trying, Noah entered the world in 1998 and Emma followed in 1999.Paul's work took them to Bel Air, Maryland, where they built another home. Char devoted herself to being a loving wife and mother, sculpting the kids into who they are today. She always encouraged them to pursue their dreams and exposed them to the arts, travel, excitement, and compassion for all. Char treasured relationships, and the family made frequent visits to Grandpa. Each year she drove to Chicago, ensuring the kids spent time with family and friends and they developed a love for road trips. In 2007, Paul's work led the family west to Colorado. It was not Char's destination of choice, as she loved the beach, and sported a fear of heights. Nevertheless, she made friends quickly with her incredible generosity and kindness. She continued showing her children the country, taking extended trips to visit family and friends (and to attend every James Taylor concert she could find). Char's love for art was expressed in many ways; designing the Dent home, touring galleries, making crafts and jewelry, taking photographs, or giving way to her inner interior designer. She continued to help others in every way she could, including volunteering at Pikes Peak Hospice on Sunday evenings. Char's diagnosis with esophageal cancer was sudden and unexpected, but she fought with the same passion that she brought to every aspect of her life. For the last six months, Char exhibited more resilience, hope, and grace than anyone thought possible.Charlene Lisa Eick Dent passed away at home on June 23, 2015 with family at her side. She is survived by her husband Paul; children, Noah and Emma; sisters, Maxine Eick, Mary Harwig, and D. Michele Morgan; brother, Charles Klawitter; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorial Service, 3:00PM, Sunday, July 12, 2015, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 West Dale Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado.If so inclined, Char requested that donations be made in her name to either Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (www.csfineartscenter.org) or Pikes Peak Hospice (www.pikespeakhospice.org).Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Sunday, July 12, 2015 3:00PM Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center 30 West Dale Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: 719-328-1793