Anne and I became friends with Mildred early on in our careers. I taught at Jefferson and Anne taught Special Education in a number of schools throughout her career. I taught with Tom Campbell at Jefferson for years. He and Mildred both hailed from Carroll County in western Iowa. It did not take long for Anne and I to realize we had become friends with a very special person and educator, as Tom introduced us to Mildred.
Although Language Arts was where some thought she lived, those who got to know her realized that Mildred was an educator of and for the whole universe. And, most importantly, Mildred was such a nice person. she cared about everybody and always chose to look at the very best in staff----but most importantly--the kids. There will be a reunion of sorts back in Coon Rapids with Mildred and Tom Campbell. It would be a blast sitting in on that event. Thanks Mildred!
Anne and Jack Pilling
Jack and Anne Pilling
January 22, 2015
Mildred and I became close friends my first year of teaching in 1970. She was the Language Arts coordinator for the Cedar Rapids Community Schools and we shared a love of writing. Over the years I cherished the times we would meet, joking around and sharing stories from the classroom. One of my most prized possessions is a book she gave me that first year of teaching. The title is "Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle". I remember how she would quiz me on some of the things in the book, just to see if I had really read it. I will never forget her willingness to help new teachers and veterans alike. She made time for everyone and had a heart of gold. I will miss her beautiful smile and quick wit.
Bill Williamson
January 21, 2015
I was lucky to have my dad working with Mildred at the Ad. Bldg. I got to help her put together and collate her Language Arts Curriculum books each summer. To us, she was Aunt Millie and we loved her dearly. We were her "kids". We went to Canada with her, hiking, fossil hunting, flower identifying--she knew all the wild flowers, and camping She could put together the best picnic--which included homemade sweet rolls and pie! Mildred knew I was not the best reader or speller and tricked me into reading novels to critique for her. She got students the extra help they needed to be successful. Many school systems are still using her published spelling program with the 6 levels per week. Mildred was a dear lady who impacted the lives of each person she met and had an unforgettable ability to communicate with anyone. She knew no strangers and with this we-all who have known Mildred-are so blessed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, love and compassion with us all. Dick and Vicki Stout Dillon
Vicki Stout Dillon and Richard Dillon
January 21, 2015
How ironic that Mildred past away exactly one year after my Dad's passing (1-19-14). They were both residents at Keystone Cedars and sat at the same table in the dining room. Mildred was a wonderful and fun lady. So many gifts, so many stories and oh how she loved to play the piano and sing - all from memory. She was an extraordinary lady and I feel privileged to have known her. She was a great friend to my Dad and to me. I will miss her.
Joy Elliott Brecht
January 21, 2015
I always felt I earned another college degree while working with Mildred. I loved hearing her truisms at in-service day at the beginning of the school year. Mildred let me develop curriculum projects to accompany Vistas, the basal reader for fifth grade students. She also let me work with Jefferson High teachers when developing sequential writing assignments for 5th-12th grade students . She blessed the world with her presence.
Kathleen Mathews
January 21, 2015
I always felt I earned another college degree while working with Mildred. I loved hearing her truisms at in-service day at the beginning of the school year. Mildred let me develop curriculum projects to accompany Vistas, the basal reader for fifth grade students. She also let me work with Jefferson High teachers when developing sequential writing assignments for 5th-12th grade students . She blessed the world with her presence.
Kathleen Mathews
January 21, 2015
I was fortunate to be Mildred's secretary for 5 years and a forever friend. She was a wonderful, caring person and I was blessed to have her in my life.
Sharon (Thompson) Ullrick
January 21, 2015
Mildred was our teacher and our friend. I worked with her when I was principal at Jefferson. She had been responsible for securing quality language arts teachers for the district and for Jefferson. We had many visits about the curriculum and its benefit. She taught me what I needed to know, as that was her nature. I benefitted from all our conversations, and from my associations with all her teachers.
Mildred left each place better than she found it. All of us who knew her benefitted from the association. She was a determined educator was a great sense of humor. We celebrate her life as we learned from her what it means to be an educator.
Bill and Mary Jane Jacobson
Bill and Mary Jane Jacobson
January 21, 2015
I grew up 2 houses down from Mildred. I remember as a kid , she seemed like the smartest person on the block!Always so kind especially with a bunch of kids running around. I haven't seen her in almost 30 years but have nothing but great memories of her.A truly wonderful person
Beth (Ahart) Wolf
January 21, 2015