Mildred Mae Gaines, age 90, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident passed away Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, WA. She was born January 7, 1917 in Max Bass, North Dakota, the fourth of seven children of Elmer and Florence Bunker Pillsbury.
When she was four years old the family moved to Saskatchewan, Canada where she was raised on the family farm near Chaplin. She excelled in education finishing 8th grade in a one-room country school and putting herself through high school by correspondence. On her final exams, she scored third highest ever for the Providence of Saskatchewan. She also achieved excellence playing baseball, competing in track events, and singing with her brother Wayne at social events. The family returned to the States when she was 22 and she first worked as a house keeper and tutor of children in Chewelah, WA. After one year, she moved with her two sisters to Everett, there she worked in a hospital kitchen and later at a pulp mill.
On August 14, 1942, she was united in marriage to Roland ‘Rollie’ Gaines. Moving to Sedro-Woolley in 1955, Mildred and Rollie owned and operated the Bowling Center for over 25 years. During those years, she also fulfilled a life-long dream of attending Skagit Valley College and becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her nursing career was pursued through many years work at Northern State and United General Hospitals, all while raising 4 children.
She also continued to bowl in several leagues and was an active member of the PTA, YMCA, Orthopedic Guild, Odd Fellows, Rebekah Lodge, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary.
Mildred was beloved by family and many close friends for her intelligence, warm, and caring nature, and well-developed sense of humor. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy of true love.
Mildred was preceded in death by Rollie her husband of 60 years, parents; Elmer and Florence Pillsbury, brothers; Roger, Earl, and Wayne and a sister; Edith.
Mildred is survived by her 2 daughters; Lynn Metcalf of Burlington and Kathie Westerfield of La Quinta, CA and her 2 sons; Steve Gaines and his wife Laurice of Alger and David Gaines of Sedro-Woolley. 7 Grandchildren; Cinda Metcalf of Sedro-Woolley, Susan Slotemaker and her husband Derek, Scott Metcalf and his wife Kim, Andrea Lemos and her husband Ryan all of Burlington, Melissa Gaines and Chip Westerfield of Bellingham, and Sean Westerfield and his wife Karin of Everett. 7 great grandchildren. Her sister; Margaret Gascon of Sedro-Woolley and her brother; Howard Pillsbury of Wenatchee. Numerous nieces and nephews and special friends Edna Jackson of Burlington, Lois Orth of Tacoma, and Doris Campbell of Sedro-Woolley.
At Mildred’s request, there are to be no services. Donations are suggested to your favorite charity. Arrangements and cremation under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
She’s simply the greatest and only the best memories of her flood into my thoughts. The trips to Birch Bay, Lake Samish and many more. A house full of relatives on vaca, a wide track pontiac (on many occasions) full of adults & kids and always the best of times ensued. So good to all of us kids, we miss her so much.