Mildred A. Fraser

On June 8, 2020, Mildred Augusta Stewart Fraser peacefully passed away at Palm Cottages Assisted Living Facility in Rockledge, FL. Millie was born in Herndon, Virginia on August 28, 1924 to the late Harvey E. and Bessie (Page) Stewart, and was one of nine children. All her siblings preceded her in death.

After her mother died when she was six, Millie and two of her siblings moved to Washington, DC to live with their uncle and aunt, Rosier and Lillian Stewart.

Mildred attended DC public schools, and, after graduating, she completed the Cortez Peters Business School as well as several college courses. In 1950, Mildred married Alvin E. Fraser, and was his loving wife until his death in 1989. Although Millie and Alvin’s union never produced children, she supported and assisted in educating many children, including several nieces and nephews, a disadvantaged DC youth who became an Ivy League graduate and attorney, and others.

Millie and Al owned and operated a tailor shop in DC for several years. Afterwards, Mildred spent most of her career at the U.S. Department of Defense, including the Pentagon in the DC area and Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey, before retiring from NASA in Florida. After retiring from the Federal Government, Millie worked part time at a sew and fabric shop until she fully retired. While in living in DC, Mildred was also the house mother to college students who she and Alvin housed in their home for several years. Appreciating her kindness, many of these students stayed in touched with Millie through their golden years.

As a devoted Catholic, Mil was an active church member in the States where she lived. For years at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Merritt Island, FL, Millie assisted in several church activities, e.g., accounting and fundraising. Being an excellent cook, she prepared food to take to the sick, in addition to driving them to church, stores or doctor appointments.

After surviving breast cancer in her late seventies, Mildred made countless turbans and pillows for other cancer patients. Millie also made clothes for herself and many friends and family. Once her sister Beatrice’s health started failing, Millie brought her to Florida to live with her until Bea’s death in 2002. Millie believed her purpose was to serve others, until Alzheimer’s sidelined her to assisted living at age 90.

Living a full life, Millie enjoyed boating, hosting parties, swimming, golfing, dancing, sewing, cooking, traveling, and caring for others. For years, she wore lipstick to bed, so she would look good in case she had to go to the hospital or didn’t wake up. Until her death, people loved Millie and admired her elegance wherever she went.

She is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. There will be a private service at Brevard Memorial in Cocoa, FL.“