Mildred Elizabeth Athey Baggs, of Walpole, died Sept. 4 at her residence with her family by her side.
She was born Feb. 26, 1937 in Washington, D.C. to the late Stenie McGill and Forrest Lee (Lucas) Athey. She grew up in Elmira, N.Y. and graduated from Southside High School. She attended Eastern Baptist College in Wayne, Penn., where she met her husband, James W. Baggs. They married June 1, 1957.
They lived in West Chester, Penn., where they raised five children. Millie enjoyed work as a home health aide for several years. She then started a cleaning contract business for developers in the Valley Forge area to pay for college costs.
She and Jim retired to Walpole in 1997, where they enjoyed the many activities available in Midcoast Maine. They were fortunate to find a new church family here and many warm friends and neighbors.
Millie was an active member of the Damariscotta Baptist Church, secretary of CONA (Citizens Offering New Alternatives) for 10 years, a member of Seaside Grange, a volunteer driver for Translic, an enthusiastic bridge and scrabble player, a creative quilter, artist and tinkerer. A “jack of all trades-master of none” as she often said.
She was predeceased by her husband, James Baggs; youngest son, Richard; and brother, David Athey.
She is survived by children, James W. Baggs Jr. and wife Doreen of Lancaster, Penn., Susan Baggs and husband Steven Wright of Montclair, N.J., Karen LaCharite and husband John of Edgecomb, and Nancy Stroud and husband John of Cumberland; grandchildren, Colin, Taylor, and Cameron Baggs, Megan and Calvin Stroud, and Miles Wright; and brother, Edgar Athey.
At Millie’s request there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Millie’s memory may be made to The Carpenter’s Boat Shop, 440 Old County Rd., Pemaquid, ME 04558.
Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast.
