Mildred A. Hackett

Mildred A. (Astle) Hackett, age 90, of Fall River, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, April 22, 2023. She was the wife to the late Dr. Robert Stephen Hackett, DMD, with whom she was married for 59 years.

Born in Fall River, and a lifelong resident of the city, she was the daughter of the late William B. Astle. Mildred graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School, Class of 1949 (where she was voted best looking), and from Thibodeau Business School completing her secretarial certificate. Her first job was with Shelburne Shirt in Fall River. She was very proud to work at Horvitz and Horvitz law firm in Boston while supporting her husband through his residency. She then devoted her life to raising her 8 beloved children.

She was an avid golfer and a lifelong member of the Fall River Country Club. She enjoyed competitive golf, playing in the New Bedford C.C. four ball for 13 years, as well as on the Mass. WGA state team and many member-guest days. Mildred enjoyed her days at the beach with her children for many years as a member of the Westport Yacht Club then at the Baker’s Beach Club. She took painting classes for years from the Dominican sisters where her incredible talent shined; for years she gifted friends her artwork.

Mildred was a self-taught gifted seamstress, who not only sewed her own wedding dress and bridal party but also that of her many daughter’s wedding dress and bridesmaids, drapes, curtains and mending for her family for years. After her husband's retirement, she enjoyed traveling to Rome, and they spent their winters in Hobe Sound, Florida.

Mildred had the most sparkling blue eyes, huge smile and the warmest, most welcoming disposition. She was so thoughtful and kind, which was why so many people were drawn to her. To know Millie, was to love her. She was nicknamed “smiley” from a very young age. She was born with energy. Her projects were endless.

Most importantly, She was a devout catholic with a deep faith, who was a communicant of Holy Name Parish. She proudly went to Mass every Sunday for 83 years right up until she passed.

Mildred’s greatest love was her family. She was devoted to her husband, loved her children immensely and always strived to make each one feel special. She adored spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and treasured being there for all their milestones. She was filled with pride when she spoke about them.

She is survived by eight children; Patricia A. Hackett of Nashville, TN, Robert S. Hackett, Jr. of Mattapoisett, Ann M. Hackett of Portsmouth, RI, John H. Hackett of Portsmouth, RI, Kathleen A. McDermott and her husband James of Davenport, FL, Colleen A. Gustafson and her husband Paul of Naples, FL, Jane A. Tetreault and her husband Claude of Fall River and Jo Ann Hackett Medeiros and her husband Matthew of Dartmouth, eighteen grandchildren; Katharine and Emily McConnell, Julia and Laura Nasser, Jennifer Dolan and her husband DJ, Sarah O’Brien and her husband Casey, Michael McDermott and his wife Ute, Michael, Matthew and Jenna Gustafson, Christopher, Matthew and Catherine Tetreault, Mark, John, Eric, Kelly and Kristen Medeiros; nine great-grandchildren, Savannah, Jack and Charlie Dolan, Dallas Nasser, Ruby and Evangeline Polselli, Emma McDermott, Nora and baby boy O’Brien; as well as her dear cousin who was more like her sister, Beverly Flanagan of Fall River. Mildred was the sister of the late William B. Astle, Jr. and James Astle.

Her Funeral will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 9:00 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St., Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mildred’s honor may be made to Holy Name Parish.