Mildred Ward

Mildred “Millie” Ward, 92 years young, passed away on October 24, 2013. She was a long-time resident of River Grove and lived for the past 19 years in the village of Franklin Park. Millie most recently spent several weeks at Elmhurst Extended Care Center (EECC) where she and her children felt enormous compassion and caring from nurses, assistants, physical and occupational therapists, administrative staff and food service personnel. From ice cream to take with crushed Tylenol, ginger-ale for an upset stomach, help with various comfort regimens . . . each day was met with patience, love and understanding. Our family is extremely grateful for their support. A devoted mother, Millie leaves behind her beloved children, Lyn (Jerry Nikitas) Ward, Patricia (Daniel) Veller, Paula (Garry) Rossino, Denise and James. Millie was lucky to experience the many blessings of six loving grandchildren: Amanda (Lance) Wojcik, Brett (Tracy) Wallin , Kelli Ward, Jimmy (Mandy) Ward, Alek Storm and Michael Storm; and six great-grandchildren, Carson Bollinger, Clarke Wallin, Lila Wojcik, Stone Wojcik, Lukas Wallin and Blake Wallin. In addition to her children, Millie lovingly raised her dogs Jose, Beau (aka Bozo), Bunny and Harry, who all caused her great sorrow by preceding her in death. Her mixed poodle, the very tender Tippy, is in the process of making peace with her passing. Two peas in a pod, Millie couldn’t have loved Tippy more and he returned her feelings threefold. Millie so appreciated the love of her neighbors; Maria and Jeff Laskowski and daughters and Alice Byrne and her son, John Byrne. John asked about her often and sent her a lovely card and flower while she was hospitalized which she treasured. As a young mother of two Millie suffered the tragic loss of her first husband, Clarence Robertson. She was then blessed with finding the love of her life, A. D. ‘Tex’ Ward, who became Lyn and Pat’s adoptive father. Millie and Tex together founded Ward Auto Body that Tex turned into a successful business which still bears his name. They shared many wonderful years together until his death in 1984. Her third husband Emmett ‘Red’ Phillips passed away in 1992. Millie was notoriously flirtatious. In her own words she “never met a man she didn’t like.” An accomplished humorist, she maintained her wit even in the last few weeks of her life, evidenced by her quipping, “Lord, please don’t take me now” as she was helped into an ambulance by a very handsome paramedic. The original ‘foodie’, she loved all things chocolate, delighted her children and grandchildren by piling nearly an inch of powdered sugar on top of French toast and when the sugar disappeared within seconds, let them pour maple syrup over the toast. She never missed an opportunity to pick up something yummy from Rueter’s bakery, made school lunches to order for her children which required her to follow precise instructions on how to place the lunchmeat on the bread, either folded or wrinkled, celebrated holidays with boxes of Frango mints and Fannie May. As a treat for herself, she would mix rainbow sherbet into what she called “pea soup” because it turned green. Millie made significant contributions to the US economy through the countless checks and currency bestowed upon her family throughout the years. Birthdays, graduations, Christmas never went by without checks or cash tucked neatly inside a greeting card. She used any possible excuse to send money--Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, back to school, and even Arbor Day. She always displayed the American flag on holidays. Her passion for local politics brought her great joy as she served for many years on the school board in River Grove. Despite her many accomplishments, there are things in life she never achieved. Although stunningly beautiful, she was never asked to her high school prom, didn’t make it to the National Spelling Bee, never found a man who could match her longevity, lost her bid for River Grove village clerk, felt too old to try out for Wheel of Fortune when auditions were finally held in Chicago. At least, for her 70th birthday, her family was able to surprise her with her very own prom. Funeral Information: Visitation for Millie will be on Sunday from 3PM to 9PM. Memories will be shared at various times throughout. We encourage and welcome spontaneous or prepared remembrances, from friends and neighbors in addition to her family. Funeral service will be held on Monday at 10AM. Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home & Crematorium, 9568 Belmont Ave., Franklin Park Millie will be interred in her marble condominium at Mount Emblem cemetery next to her beloved Tex. Contributions: If you choose to make a contribution in Millie’s name, please make a donation to the charity of your choice or, donate to a pet rescue agency. In addition, and in fond recognition of Millie’s penchant to literally give someone the coat off her back, a box will be present on Sunday to donate gently-used coats and jackets for those in need this winter.