Mildred McAuliffe's Obituary
At the age of 92, Mildred M. (Cronkright) McAuliffe passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at her home on Staffordville Lake in the loving care of her family. Mildred was predeceased by her husband Timothy P. McAuliffe II in 1985. She is survived by her three children, Terrence McAuliffe and his wife Arlene of Middlebury, CT, Timothy P. McAuliffe III and his wife Maureen of Jupiter, FL and Honeoye, NY, and Ialeen (McAuliffe) Dunn and her husband Mark of Stafford Springs, CT. Born May 12, 1919 in Kearny, New Jersey, the youngest child of Walter and Mary Rebecca (Vile) Cronkright, Millie spent many summers at Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey where she developed her lifelong passions of swimming and diving. She is predeceased by her three older brothers Walter Allen, Steven, and Arthur, and with their love and support, was a graduate of Kearny High School and The New York School of Fine & Applied Art (Parsons). She and Tim were married on October 18, 1943 at Camp Gordon, Georgia during his service in World War II. In 1945, they returned to Stamford, CT where they raised their three children on Minivale Road. Much like her current house on Staffordville Lake, their home in Springdale was the host of many gatherings where neighbors and family were always welcome. Mildred worked at Machlett Laboratories until her retirement in 1981. It was then that they realized their dream of living by the water, moving to Staffordville. Mildred was a member of Saint Edward Church, the Stafford Senior Center, and Stafford Grange No 1. She was formerly a HealthView volunteer at Johnson Memorial Hospital and lecturer for the American Cancer Society. An artist, bowler, pianist, avid reader, and crossword aficionado, she was the host of countless weekend getaways. Mildred thrived on welcoming her extended family and friends to the lake, especially on July 4th and Christmas Eve. More recently, she spent the winter months in Jupiter, FL and loved her family time and the warmer climate. Gram is survived by eight grandchildren, Steven Dunn, Kerry (McAuliffe) Timmins, Tara (McAuliffe) Nicoletti, Erin Dunn, Kelly (McAuliffe) Murray, Colleen McAuliffe, Bethany (McAuliffe) Arnauckas, and Timothy McAuliffe IV. Gigi is also survived by 16 Great-Grandchildren, Cameron, Kaitlyn, Kendyl, Jillian, Matthew, Aidan, Luke, Shannon, Katie, Patrick, Abigail, Madeline, Ryleigh, Timothy P. V, Justin, Joseph, and a new great grand on the way. The children enjoyed her many candy treats, songs, back scratches, hugs, and high-fives. 'Aunt Millie' had many nieces, nephews, cousins and 'adopted' family across the country, all of whom she loved dearly. Her legacy of putting "family first" will certainly be shared with future generations. She cherished her wonderful neighbors and friends and is especially grateful to Martha for the luncheons, transportation and good conversations. She also leaves her faithful Golden Retriever Bailey, who was always by her side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edward Church, 55 High Street, Stafford Springs, CT at 11 A.M. on Saturday, October 29, 2011. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family is deeply appreciative to the Hospice workers and volunteers who so lovingly cared for Mildred. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Home and Community Health Services Inc., Hospice Program, P.O. Box 1199, Enfield, CT 06083, or to the Connecticut Library of the Blind, 198 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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