PHOENIX – Mildred Irene Begin, 84, died March 4, 2011, in Phoenix. She was born April 1, 1926, in Bangor, the eldest daughter of Helen (Libby) and George T. Anderson.
Mildred was the granddaughter of Mabel (Wing) and Alvah Libby. She was a direct descendant of the Wing family that arrived on the Mayflower in 1620. She was very proud of her many years as a top salesperson for The Kirby Co. in Alaska, where Jim was her boss. Millie leaves behind many longtime friends and new friends at Archstone Care Center, Chandler, Ariz., where she spent several happy years at the end of her life. She loved to play bingo, participate in activities, read Harlequin novels, and occasionally needed to get soap opera updates from her youngest sister, Laura Harvey of Glenburn. Her greatest pleasure was talking to her family and friends on the telephone.
She was predeceased by her husband, Moe Begin; her parents and seven of her 10 siblings. Millie has four beloved daughters, Sheryllee, married to John Lowe III of Conway, Ariz., Georgia, married to Chris Sanborn of Glouster, Ohio, Rebecca, married to Russell Woodbury of Queen Creek, Ariz., and Kimberly, married to David Lopez of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; Millie tirelessly raised her four daughters, sometimes working two jobs. She found much joy watching her nine grandchildren grow up and was continuously delighted with her 14 great-grandchildren. Millie’s extended family includes Cindy Shelton, who she considered to be her fifth daughter; and Jim Cross, who she lovingly called her son.
A celebration of Millie’s life is scheduled on her birthday, 2 p.m. April 1 at Archstone Care Center, 1980 Pecos Drive, Chandler, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed, in her memory, to the Activity Program, Archstone Care Center, 1980 Pecos Drive, Chandler, AZ 85224.