Mildred "Millie" Szawara

Obituary of Mildred Szawara

January 22, 1932 – March 26, 2026

Mildred "Millie" Szawara. Age 94 of Southgate.

Beloved wife of the late Eugene. Loving mother of Robert (Ruth), Kenneth, James (Trena), and Susan Richardson. Dearest grandmother of Jamie (Keri), Nicholas (Melanie), Amy Ann (Molli), Natalie (Brendan), Deonna (Andre), Zachary, Amber (Ricky), and Jacqueline (Chase). Great grandmother of Hunter, Amelia, Riley, Kolton, Kazimiera, Maci, Maverick, Magnus, Axel, Leif, Andre Jr, Maya, Charles, Penelope, and Stella. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions are appreciated to St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Family Tribute

A Life Remembered

We honor the life of our beloved mom, Millie Szawara-a woman whose kindness, warmth, and quiet strength touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Mom had a remarkable gift for making people feel truly special. Her smile could 'melt your heart, her laughter was charming, and unforgettable and her hugs carried a sincerity that seemed to stretch on for miles. She lived a beautiful life, surrounded by friends and deeply rooted in family. Wherever she went, she brought warmth, grace, and genuine care for others.

Her strength was grounded in her deep and devoted Catholic faith, which guided her throughout her life. She was actively involved in her church for 'many years-helping with funeral luncheons, contributing to the annual church festival where she lovingly made hundreds of stuffed cabbages, and serving on the Art and Environment Committee. She found great joy in decorating the church for every holiday, and her special talent for bow making added beauty and warmth to each season. Mom also volunteered faithfully in the church rectory, always ready to help wherever she was needed.

Mom and Dad shared 50 loving years of marriage, a partnership filled with devotion, humor, and deep affection. After his passing, not a single day went by that she didn't speak of a fond memory of their life together. Her love for him remained steady and ever-present, a testament to the bond they built and the life they shared.

In her early twenties, Mom worked as an executive secretary, where her talents truly shined. Her typing and shorthand skills were exceptional, and she became well known for her beautiful, precise penmanship. She was fluent in Polish, both spoken and written-a meaningful connection to her heritage. With our dad born in Poland and her parents Polish immigrants, the Language was a thread that tied generations together. Later, she brought her same dedication and friendliness to her work at the Southgate Golf Course clubhouse.

Mom remained active and involved throughout her life. She bowled in leagues, participated in a Golf league in her younger years, and stayed connected to her community. She gave her time generously to her children, serving as a Den Mother for our brothers and a Room Mom in elementary school-roles she embraced with pride, patience, and love.

At home, Mom enjoyed crossword puzzles, board games, and especially Chinese Checkers, where her playful spirit often came alive. She was also a remarkable seamstress, creating Costumes, custom clothing, and draperies with incredible skill and attention to detail. She had a natural eye for beauty and craftsmanship, and she poured that same care into the beautiful afghans she crocheted-each one stitched with patience, creativity, and love. These handmade pieces remain treasured reminders of her talent and generosity.

Family was always the center of Mom's world. She devoted countless hours babysitting her grandchildren, attending their important events, and showing up with unwavering love. And in recent years, she found immense joy welcoming her great-grandchildren, whose smiles and energy brought her so much happiness. She took countless photos and videos to capture family gatherings and everyday moments, and she spent many quiet hours looking back through them –preserving memories that now remain a priceless gift to all of us.

She found great joy in spending time with her sisters, sharing laughter and special evenings together. Over time, this cherished group lovingly called themselves "The Golden Girls," a name that perfectly captured their bond and enduring friendship.

Mom loved to garden and surround herself with flowers. As the years went on, she developed an even greater fondness for desserts and chocolate, and she never missed her daily cup of instant decaf coffee – a simple ritual that brought her comfort and joy.

After losing our father, Mom carried on for twenty more years with remarkable strength, gratitude, and grace – thankful for each new day she was given.

What we will remember most is how Mom made us feel – loved, valued, and truly seen. We could share endless stories, but above all, we will never forget her charming smile, her warm laughter, and the comfort she brought into our lives.

Millie lived a beautiful life rooted in faith, service, family, and love. Her legacy lives on in each of us, and her warmth will forever remain in our hearts.