HOWLAND – Mildred E. Dunn, 89, died March 27, 2011, at a Lincoln health care facility. Millie, as she liked to be called, was born Sept. 26, 1921, in Bangor, to James and Mary Vanidestine.
She was a graduate of John Bapst High School. Millie married her love and soul mate, George Dunn, Oct. 25, 1941, a union which lasted more than 50 years, and they began the first years of their lives together in Howland. Millie worked for the postal service for many years until she and George made the decision to adopt a child. Within the next several years, they had adopted three children and built a new home in East Millinocket, where they resided for a time. Together, Millie and George enjoyed collecting antiques and because of this hobby, they eventually outgrew their home. They made the decision to move back to Howland and purchased a beautiful century-old home, which they refurbished from top to bottom, a perfect place to raise and nurture their children and house their collection of antiques. Millie last worked for Bourcard Nesin, M.D., before retiring. She was a devoted member of St. Leo Catholic Church and a longtime member of Ladies of St. Anne and Daughters of Isabella. She served on the parish council and taught religious education for more than 40 years. She received an award and recognition for outstanding services to the church from Pope John Paul II. With utmost faith and conviction, Millie instructed countless individuals, young and old, who were converting to Catholicism. She was an avid supporter of the town of Howland, and with her beloved husband, George, founded the Community Betterment Program, devoting countless hours beautifying the town she loved and took pride in. Millie was a gifted decorator. Throughout the years, she helped many young people begin their married lives together by decorating for their weddings. Friends and family were very important to her. She would be the first to offer support and guidance in whatever way was needed. She enjoyed entertaining and was a cordial hostess. On countless occasions, she opened her home to family and friends for delectable feasts and warm, pleasant conversation. Everyone who entered her home felt welcomed and valued.
Millie is survived by her son, Christopher of Holden; son, Joseph and his wife, Diane, who was like a daughter, of Howland; daughter, Maryanne Smith and her husband, Carl, of Newport; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and a sister, Theresa Peasley of Bangor. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, George; an infant son, George Terry; a beloved granddaughter, Ashlee; her sister, Josephine Nowak; and her five brothers, James, John, Thomas, Edward and Herbert. The family thanks Beacon Hospice and the many skilled and compassionate caregivers at Colonial Acres Nursing Home. There are not adequate words to express our gratitude for the love and kindness rendered our mother during the last few years.
A Mass of Christian burial to celebrate Millie’s life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, April 2, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Howland, with the Rev. James MacGee presiding. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to the Ashlee Melissa Dunn Memorial Scholarship, care of Diane Dunn. What we leave behind is not engraved in stone monuments, but is woven into the lives of others. Children are born, traditions are passed and the love continues into eternity. Although we no longer share Millie’s physical presence, her spirit remains the “heart” of our family. Arrangements with Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. For an online guest register and to leave written condolences, please visit
www.clayfuneralhome.com.