Mildred B. Papineau, 99, of Gladstone and former Rapid River resident, died Thursday, April 15, 2004, at the Christian Park Village Health Care Center in Escanaba where she was currently a patient. Mildred was born Jan. 24, 1905, in Rapid River, the daughter of Frank and Cora (Carmody) Callahan and spent most of her life in that community. After graduating from the Rapid River High School, she attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette where she received her teaching certificate. She taught in various schools, including Masonville Twp., Rapid River, Alton, Rock, Silverdale, Stonington, and at St. Joseph School in Escanaba. She completely retired from teaching in 1969.
Mildred married Orin Papineau in 1928 and he preceded her in death in 1973 and she then relocated to Fairview Manor in Gladstone from Rapid River in 1974. Mildred was a member of All Saints Church, Gladstone Senior Center, and the
Anonymous
Even though I only knew Mildred for a short six months, what a pleasure it was to care for her.
She was one of my first residents to care for—and she definitely put that to the test. I learned to understand her special care and was glad that I was able to make her comfortable each time that I was assigned to her care.
We had many, short conversations—numerous times she would wonder why God was keeping her on earth so long as she longed to be in heaven with Orin. She said I guess he is keeping me here so that I can pray for my family and friends in their times of need. She prayed that Sarah would have a healthy baby that breast surgery would go well for another. She prayed for a nurse aide that was in a car accident that God would give her a speedy recovery and the list went on and on. I told her that I was glad that He kept her here long enough for me to get to know her and reconfirm my desire to become a CENA and care for the elderly.
Mildred expressed her appreciation for all her caregivers with many thank you s, and some with small gifts just to confirm her appreciation for the care that was given.
I know that Mildred had her mind until the end of her life—as the week before her death, she asked me to write a note in an Easter card. The note was short, but the conversation before the note was an hour long—talking about her family and friends.
Mildred was so positive about heaven and there is know doubt in my mind that is where she now lives.
With Caring Thoughts and Prayers,
Kathy Grill
CENA
Christian Park Village
Escanaba, MI
Please accept the sincere condolences of Bill, Kathy, Tim and Katie Morin.
Bill Morin and Family
Kentwood, MI
I will always remember Aunt Mildred, especially the visits to her Fair View apartment in Gladstone. She would tell stories of the old days and could remember things from long ago. It always amazed me what a great memory she had when telling her stories. Aunt Mildred could remember dates, names, events you could ask her any question about the past, and she always knew the answer.
We never left a visit without leaving with a gift, she always had something to give us. I have many kitchen hand towels and my children were supplied with coloring books, crayons and other activity books. She had little, but always had a lot to give.
She will be missed but we know she is in a better place and together again with her beloved Orin.
Jo Ann Alexander and children – Tricia, Laura and Tony
Gladstone, MI
Mrs. Papineau was my 3rd Grade Teacher at St. Joe’s in the middle 1960s. Actually, she was my favorite teacher of my 8 years of elementary school. I have and will always remember her with huge fondness.
David Stacey
Arcata, CA