Mildred Marion Talbot

I’d like the memory of me

to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow

of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways,

of happy times and laughing times

and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry before the sun of happy memories

that I leave behind when day is done.

Mildred Talbot, known as Millie by her countless friends, was born in Saskatoon Saskatchewan in 1922 and spent her childhood on a homestead farm near Forgan, Saskatchewan with her parents, George and Ethel Talbot (nee Morgan), older brother Lyell (Dorothy) Talbot and younger sister Jean (George) Leach. She retained very fond and adventurous memories of her childhood which also must have had its difficulties - pre-cars or farm machinery.

Mildred completed high school and her schooling to become a stenographer in Saskatoon, after which she signed up to serve in the Air Force during WWII. She spent 2 years in Trenton, Ontario, which is where her love of flying was sparked. She was disappointed at the war’s end, not to have been deployed overseas, where her brother Lyell served.

After she returned to Saskatchewan, Millie soon moved to Edmonton where she enjoyed many decades forging friendships, cultivating a love for football as a fan of the Edmonton Eskimos, and travelling – often to visit her family, and at times to explore the world. Her favorite jaunts were to Waskesiu with her sister Jean and family, Victoria to visit her mom and dad with a stop to visit Lyell and Dorothy in Haney British Columbia. Hawaii was added to her favorite destination list after she surprisingly won a trip with her bowling scores (personal best) and took her mom with her as her plus one.

Workwise, those who know Millie would understand that she did not “suffer fools” or boredom easily, meaning she had several employers, the most exciting (and long-lasting) being Northern Transportation – where her boss sent her up north to personally experience their arctic operations which was one of her most memorable trips.

Mildred treasured her family and her numerous close friends and social groups, cultivating so many lasting rich friendships throughout her lifetime. When she decided to move back to Saskatoon to be closer to family, she said she did not expect or want to make any more friends as her good friends were in Edmonton. That changed as soon as she walked in the door of Brandtwood Estates, where she met Lynn Franks, Evelyn Dressler and several other neighbors living in her new condo. This group of close friends recall having so many good times and laughs with Millie over the years as she loved social events and was often the life of the party.

Millie lived a remarkably independent life until 98 years of age, spending her last few years in care, often reflecting on the Forgan years and her family. During that time, endless staff and visitors shared with us how much they enjoyed her “spicey” spirit, smile, kindness and conversations. Although she no longer read voraciously, she continued to tell stories endlessly, making lasting impressions with all who crossed her path. Diane and Leslie would like to warmly thank the numerous medical staff who supported and befriended Millie throughout her journey in their care and for their kindness and shared memories of their time with Millie. We heard and saw so many times from so many how much the staff “just loved her”. A huge thank you to Dr. Chernoff for his years of compassionate medical care to her.

Millie is already sorely missed and is survived by her three nieces, Linda (Gerry) Novicki and their children Robert Stefanyk, Louise Barnes and Sherry Pitcher; Diane (Kelly) Hackman and her son Ryan (Lindsay) Schmidt and their children Korsen, Colby and Lisa Schmidt; Leslie Leach (Will) Sutherland.

Millie passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday July 7, 2024 at Oliver Lodge at the age of 102. Donations in lieu of flowers could be made in her memory to Oliver Lodge Angels of Care or any veterans support agencies.

Arrangements entrusted to Aimé Laventure.