Mildred Capaldi

Mildred "Cleo" Capaldi, of Sayre, passed away on Jan. 1, 2016, in the loving care of her daughter and best friend, Mary. Cleo was born June 5, 1924 in Wilkesboro, N.C. to Mamie Loggins. At 4 years old she was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Ethel and Hilary Sheets.

In the late 1920s her family relocated to Lancaster, Pa. She graduated from Quarryville High in 1941. In 1948 she graduated from Millersville University with a degree in library science. It was at college where she met the love of her life, Lewis Capaldi. They were married June 17, 1950 in Stowe, Pa. and were married for 52 years until his passing.

It was her gift of teaching and love of reading that gave her great fulfillment and enriched her life. With her husband Lew's frequent job transfers she always embraced change with the opportunity to expand her knowledge to all grade levels. She held teaching positions in Clementon, N.J., Willow Grove, Pa., Toms River, N.J., Canton, Pa., Wheeling, W.Va. and Jersey Shore, Pa. where she retired in 1990.

After her retirement it was her love of antiques and doll collecting that inspired her and Lew to venture into their antique business 'The Doll House' until Lew's passing in 2003. Always a person who had to keep busy, she did so by gardening. She loved her flowers and canned the vegetables that she grew from her vegetable garden. In her quiet times she could be found quilting blankets for her family and friends.

Always finding a kind, positive word for all she knew made her a joy to be with. The wisdom she shared, the stories she told, and the mannerisms and characteristics that were uniquely hers, gives all of those who knew and loved her wonderful memories. She will always be remembered for her warm and friendly conversation. During her homebound days she kept a positive, supportive and uplifting attitude. Her keen mind, inquisitive nature and sense of humor stayed with her throughout her 91 years of life.

In addition to her husband Lewis, who predeceased her on Jan. 7, 2003, she was also predeceased by her son, Robert on July 29, 1992; son in law, Charles Kerrick June 4, 2014; brothers-in-law, Frances Brower, Joseph Capaldi, Dominic Luciana (Marge); sisters-in-law Phyllis Swartz and Mildred Bowlin.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Powell, whom she resided with, and Mary's family; Mark Kerrick (Jamie) Hampton, Va., Dr. Brent Kerrick (Stacy) and their sons Joseph and Jaxon, Hampton, Va., Shana Kerrick , Trumansburg, N.Y.; daughter, Barbara Kerrick, North Port, Fla. and her family; Amanda Kerrick and her son Jordan Nelson, North Port, Fla., Dr. Hilary Kerrick (Luis) Spencer, Iowa., Sadie Kerrick and her son Charles Reid Kerrick, North Port, Fla.; son David Capaldi (Dianne) Wildwood Crest, N.J. and their son Chris Capaldi; sisters Virginia (Van) Wyatt, North Wilkesboro, N.C., Wilma (Bill) Coombs, Laurel Springs, N.C. and a brother, George Bowlin, N.C.; sister-in-law Ann Brower, Pottstown, Pa. and a brother-in-law Sam Swartz, Parkerford, Pa. Cleo also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her loyal, devoted and cherished canine companion Jacci Powell. The family wishes to remember close family friends and caregivers Debbie and Sonny Horn, Montoursville, Pa., Kim, Tammy, Stacey, Cassandra, Connie, Gretta and Iona for their compassion, care and devotion.

We would like to thank Guthrie Hospice for all of their help and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made in Cleo's name to the Sayre Public Library, 122 South Elmer Ave., Sayre, PA, 18840 or Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Rd., Towanda, PA 18848.

A celebration of life will be held for Cleo, at a later date, as spring nears.