Mildred Richardson

Mildred (Mil) Richardson age 100 passed into the arms of the lord on Monday January 26, 2015. Mil was born December 19, 1914 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was the fifth of seven children of Genevieve and Thomas Gavin. Mil came to Akron as a teenager and graduated from St. Vincent High School in 1932. In 1936 Mil married Bill Richardson and early in their marriage moved to Copley Township. Mil was a resident of Copley for over 75 years. Shortly after marriage Mil was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. She was sent to Edwin Shaw Sanatorium for isolation and treatment. Having miraculously survived this high mortality-rate disease, she and Bill went about raising a family. In 1960 Bill died suddenly after 25 years of marriage leaving Mil with the tough task of raising three children ages 11, 15 and 18. Mil will be remembered not only as a mother but a father, educator, advisor and friend. She worked many years as a cook at Howard Johnsons, O'Neil's and Stouffers to ensure all her children graduated from college. Mil was also a very giving and kind person. Although of modest means she gave regularly to her church and numerous other charitable causes throughout the United States. She also volunteered for The Red Cross bloodmobile, made braille bibles and crocheted beanies for premature babies. A scholarship in her name is awarded each year to a Copley High School graduate attending Ohio University. Educating students was important enough to Mil that she wanted to help Copley High graduates in perpetuity. Mil enjoyed travelling with her children and was able to make many trips throughout North America and Europe. Mil was preceded in death by her husband Bill, daughter Madelyn, four sisters and 2 brothers. She is survived by her son John (Rose), daughter Corrine Brown, Barbara Berry, four grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. The family will receive friends Wednesday 4-7 p.m. at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Road, Copley, OH 44321. Mass of the Christian burial will be held Thursday 10:00 a.m. at Guardian Angels Church, 1686 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley, OH 44321. Interment Copley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the William M. and Mildred R. Richardson scholarship, Ohio University Foundation, PO Box 869, Athens OH 45701-0869, or a charity of your choice.