Grace T. Millen

1920 - 2016

Millen, Grace T. (Nee Theilacker ) Resident of Bayside. Entered into Eternal Life on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at the age of 95 years. Beloved wife and soulmate for 64 years of Francis J. Millen, M.D. Loving companion of William Ross. Devoted mother of William (Linda) Millen, Rosemary "Mimi" Millen, the late Patricia Millen, Barbara Millen, Marynell (Thomas) Heier, Mark (Karen) Millen, Martha Grace (Mark) Flaherty, and Margaret Mary "Meg" (Jeff) Schellhorn. Supportive grandmother of Christopher (Christine) Millen, Bowen (Emily) Posner and Lily Millen, Luke, Francesca (Andrew Flynn), and Gabrielle Heier, Kali (Ross Eddy) and Hannah Millen, Mark and Grace Flaherty, and Erin Schellhorn. Proud great-grandmother of Jack Thomas Flynn, Graeme Millen Eddy, Samantha Anne Millen, and Henry Oliver Posner. Dear sister of Frederick Theilacker. Furthered survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, beloved friends, "the best neighbors anyone could have" and Cinder her loyal dog. The family will receive friends at ST. EUGENE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7600 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point, on Saturday, November 26 from 11:30AM until the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM. Inurnment will be private at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials in Mrs. Millen's name may be directed to St. Eugene Parish, St. Robert School in Shorewood, St. Catherine's Residences, Cardinal Stritch University or a charity of the donor's choice. Grace Millen loved her hometown and was very involved in the community. She served on the board of the Milwaukee Catholic Home, Cardinal Stritch College/University and St. Catherine's Women's Residence. She was a member of the Marquette Women's Council, the Woman's Club of Wisconsin, the Medical Auxillary, and was a founding member of the Marquette Art Associates' Haggerty Museum of Art. Grace was born at St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee. She was a graduate of Milwaukee Downer Women's College with a Bachelor's degree including graduate study in nutrition and dietetics. She was also proud to be number 2 starboard on the College Crew team. Prior to having a family, Grace worked as a dietician at the Mayo Clinic. She was the mother of eight but a mother figure to many. Simply put, Grace made people happy. She was genuinely interested in others and easily created friendships by simply striking up a conversation; she was sincerely excited to listen. Always appreciative of a good joke, Grace was quick to laugh. She enjoyed entertaining and cooking, notably hearty soups, Christmas cookies and German specialties. Grace was a voracious reader, an ace crossword puzzle solver, and a talented seamstress and milliner with a real flair for design. Grace was fond of dancing and music, she especially liked New Orlean's jazz and Rene Fleming. She delighted in writing and receiving letters. Not preferring her own handwriting, she learned calligraphy and used this beautiful script throughout her life. Grace's most cherished times were spent with family and friends at her summer home on Franklin Lake in Minocqua. Grace's name suited her well, and was personified through her confidence, elegance, style, classic sense of propriety, and genuine love and gratitude for life. She began and ended each day with prayer and meditation and wished the gift of faith for all. Thank You Mom, We Love You, You Will Be Missed!