Mimi was born March 2, 1917, in Thompsonville, Connecticut, and then moved to the Springfield, Massachusetts area. At a very early age, she showed she could accomplish anything she set her mind to, and those who knew her and worked with her, were touched by how she understood and lived the creed “the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives.”
She was preceded in death by her daughter Gloria, and her husband, Arnold.
Mimi dedicated herself to others, primarily the mentally retarded community. She found a passion for working with mentally retarded programs, as her daughter, Gloria, was Down’s syndrome. She volunteered and operated local workshops in Massachusetts until 1966, when her husband, Arnold, was transferred to Greensboro with Gilbarco.
Mimi continued her work in Greensboro, and did not give up until all mentally handicapped children were accepted into public schools. For 26 years, she served on boards, volunteered at camps and workshops, and was the first voice and advocate for the mentally retarded in Guilford County-she is still the standard bearer today. In 1992, Mimi was named Volunteer of the Year by the Association of Retarded Citizens. The ARC of Greensboro established and presents an annual award called The Marina Wilder Award for Distinguished Service to The Guilford Center.
Mimi was an active member of: The Association of Retarded Citizens, AARP, The Advocacy Group for Children’s Education and Parent Training, ISG Sheltered Workshop, The Council on Aging, and Mobile Meals. In 1989, she was appointed to The Guilford County Board of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse.
Mimi was also a member of The First Baptist Church in Greensboro and later, The Macedonia Lutheran Church of Burlington, because of their support of the mentally handicapped community.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on January 12, 2015 in the Foley Chapel at Twin Lakes conducted by Dr. Mark William Menees. A graveside service will follow at Westminister Gardens in Greensboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:
The ARC of Greensboro, 1050 Revolution Mill Drive Studio #3, Greensboro, NC 27405
Online condolences may be sent to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is serving the Wilder family.
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