Mildred Elena Mellard

Mildred Elena Thomas Mellard was born to Fitz Herbert and Martha Jane Thomas on September 6, 1914, in the Panama Canal Zone, Republic of Panama. She departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior, on October 17, 2013. Mildred was the youngest and last survivor of seven children. Her early education was in Panama, where she attended Elementary School and completed High School. She was a member of the Girl’s Reserve, a community-based organization, as well as the Girls Friendly Society of the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in La Boca, Panama. She married the late Joseph Mellard in 1954 in Panama and they emigrated to the U.S. in 1957 and settled initially in Brooklyn, NY. Mildred attended college while working and earned a B.A. in Dietetics from the New York Institute of Dietetics in 1964. She later worked as a Dietician at the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center and continued her education graduating with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from New York's Pratt University in 1975. Mildred later moved to Hempstead, Long Island, where she became an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church. She retired as a Dietician in 1991 and moved to Lehigh Acres, FL, but unfortunately her husband Joe died before the move. In Lehigh Acres, she immediately became a member of St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church, whose members she proudly called her family, since they have always given her so much love and support since her arrival. She was also a member of the Caribbean American Social Club of Lehigh Acres (CASCOLA) and the Lehigh Acres Senior Center, where she volunteered as a librarian and receptionist. She also participated in numerous arts and crafts classes and created a variety of artwork. Her hobbies included painting, crochet, needlepoint, shell craft, cake baking and decorating. She enjoyed watching television and good movies. Mildred was very active in the community and loved to dance, model and travel. She lived a full life, consistent with her Mantra "If you rest you rust." Mildred leaves to cherish her memory her great-nephew Clarence (Marsha) Greenidge, Florida, and a host of nephews and nieces in the US, Barbados and Germany; and numerous friends, including Larcine Johnson, her loving assistant and caregiver, and especially her beloved St. Anselm Episcopal Church Family. A Visitation will be held from 10-11 AM on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Saint Anselm Episcopal Church, 2201 6th Street East, Lehigh Acres, Florida 33972, (239) 369-1916. A funeral mass for Mildred will be celebrated by Reverend Marcel G. Algernon immediately following the visitation at 11 AM. Mildred's final resting place will be in New York alongside her beloved Joe. Those who wish to offer condolences at this difficult time are urged to visit Mildred's memorial webpage at www.andersonpatterson.com and sign the guestbook.

Mildred Elena Mellard

September 6, 1914 - October 17, 2013