Mildred McGuire

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Mildred McGuire attributed her longevity to plenty of sunshine, a daily teaspoon of vinegar, and frequently going barefoot to get some electricity in her body. However, it was the timeless wisdom she demonstrated by the way she lived her faith every day for which she will be most remembered. Mildred embraced the Catholic faith from her earliest days and was kind and compassionate, too. A dedicated mother and grandmother, Mildred’s legacy even grew to include five great-great-grandchildren! She lived an active lifestyle while taking in so much of what life had to offer, even during the sunset of her life. Mildred’s vitality, grace, and unconditional love will be dearly missed.

A look back to the year 1914 would reveal a very different life in America than what we know today. Unsafe working conditions peppered countless industries from coast to coast, the United States intervened in the Mexican Civil War, and the first red and green traffic lights were installed in Cleveland, Ohio. It was also during this same year that the cries belonging to a newborn named Mildred rang out in Cressey, Michigan, on October 18th. Shortly after she was born, Mildred moved with her parents, Stanley and Louise (Noteboom) Brown to East Martin. Her family was dairy farmers who also grew celery, potatoes, and onions. She was the oldest child in her family and was required to care for her younger siblings because her mother was an invalid. Mildred attended a country school and then went on to Martin High School where she landed several leading roles in their school plays. It didn’t go unnoticed that Mildred had that something special as she was also crowned as the Queen of Martin in the first pageant. Although Mildred was often in the spotlight, she was always a very modest woman.

After graduating from high school when she was just 16, great changes were in store for Mildred. She went to work as a housekeeper for a business owner in Allegan, but it was her personal life that really became exciting. From the moment she met her brother’s best friend, Bernard McGuire, sparks flew between the couple. A romance began and after falling deeply in love, Mildred and Bernard were united in marriage on May 20, 1936, in Kalamazoo. They remained in Kalamazoo for a time, but later moved to Watson Township in Allegan Country where her husband operated a dairy farm. Mildred not only supported her husband in his business, but she helped with the bookkeeping as well. In addition to the farm, they also operated a campground on the west side of Miller Lake.

Nothing could have thrilled Mildred more than becoming a mother not long after she became a wife. Their family grew to include nine children who certainly kept her busy. With so many mouths to feed, Mildred did lots of cooking, especially because she also fed the farm hands as well. Mildred and Bernard retired from farming in 1977.

Since family was such an essential part of her life, it wasn’t surprising that many of Mildred’s interests also involved her family. She and Bernard vacationed all over the world. After Bernard retired, they were active in the Airstream Rallyers, an organization for Airstream enthusiasts. They also enjoyed dancing, neighborhood card games together, and camping every year at the Allegan County Fair in September. Mildred was overjoyed when her family grew to include grandchildren and she loved each and every one dearly. She always remembered what each of her grandchildren’s favorite foods were and their birthdates, too. Mildred spent countless hours crocheting afghans for each of her 23 grandchildren – a reflection of how deeply she loved each one and a keepsake they will each forever treasure.

There were a few interests that Mildred pursued aside from those involving her family. Her faith played a vital role in her life from the time she was a baby. Mildred was baptized, received her First Communion, and was married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was a devout Catholic who was active in the Altar Society and was also involved with the flower committee. Mildred enjoyed flower gardening, reading, and feeding the birds. She had beautiful penmanship and kept a daily journal full of so many memories and thoughts. Mildred was frequently active and enjoyed bowling until just one year ago and she was also an avid golfer. In fact, she golfed with her golf league the week prior to her death.

Mildred McGuire took each day she was given and made it her own. She was a staunch Democrat who was passionate about her beliefs. Mildred never complained and was never ill either. She was blessed to spend more than 60 years with the love of her life with whom she built the family she was so very proud of. Mildred enjoyed many things throughout her life, but was happiest when she was at home or at church. She leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories that will be forever cherished by those whose lives she touched.

Mildred McGuire of Martin died Friday, July 30, 2010 at Borgess Medical Center. Mildred’s family includes her children, James (Carol) McGuire, Joseph (Jackie) McGuire, Patricia (Russ) Miner, Mary (Clark) Simpson, Colleen (Terry) Cichon, Carol Smith, Peggy (Mark) Kuiper, Daniel (Andrea) McGuire, Rosemary (Larry) Ashbaugh; 23 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Harry and Bill Brown; and sister, Eleanor Priest. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bernard in 1999, two grandsons, a brother Howard Brown, a daughter-in-law, and a son- in-law. Learn more about Mildred, view her life story film and spend time with her family and friends sharing light refreshments Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881) where the rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visit Mildred’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home, and make a memorial donation to Sacred Heart Cemetery Perpetual Care Endowment Fund.