Mildred “Millie” Gerard

Mom was born September 28, 1926 in Abbotsford, B.C., the second child of her Swedish parents, Harry and Vera Nilsson Olander.  The family moved to the United States when she was six months old.  Mom hitched a peaceful ride on a butterfly or hummingbird from her home of 67 years on June 21, 2021 with her loving daughter, Valorie, and precious granddaughters, Tessa and Stefanie by her side.  She was 94 years old.

Millie is survived by her daughter, Valorie and husband, Gary Bisbey along with their kids, and spouses, Brendan Bisbey, Wendy and Scott Ethington, Tessa and Joe Jones; daughter-in-law, Linda Evans and daughters and spouses, Tabitha Allen and Christian Xavier, Stefanie and Kris Stewart; great grandkids, Asia and Jonny Boese, Jordan Kinser, Kara, Grant, James, Blane Ethington, Rogan Bisbey, Baylee and Bryson Jones, Josephine Allen, Liza Xavier, Torance and Jaxon Stewart, Baby Stewart due in January; great great grandkids, Arissa, Trinity, Bennett Boese; brothers, Henry and his family, Harold and wife, Kathy and family; sisters-in-law, Sue Olander, Pat Evans and family; special nieces, Joni Eleezer, Kim Olander Mayer and husband, Bill, Tammy Olander and partner, Will; special nephew, Chris Olander.

Millie was preceded in death by her first husband, Giles Evans; second husband, Floyd Gerard; dearest son, Bradley Evans; parents, Harry and Vera Olander; brother, Delbert Olander; sister-in-law, Gladys Olander, brothers and sister-in-law, James and wife, Vendla Evans, Bob Evans.

Millie was active in the community her entire life.  She was room mother at school many times, a Boy Scout leader, Election Supervisor of counting board.  She worked 5 1/2 years for County Superintendent of Schools Headstart and 25 years at the Skagit County Auditor’s Office.  She was Director and member of Skagit Gleaners for 26 years; Samish Valley Grange member for 61 years; member of Burlington Eagles, Hoogdal Community Club, Sedro-Woolley High School Alumni Association, Old Time Fiddlers, Wild Women of Woolley, World Wildlife Fund, Green Peace, Sierra Club, Audubon Society. Union memberships of which she was extremely proud included IWA-CIO, AFSME, Teamsters.

Mom taught herself to play accordion at a young age.  She did not read music but played by ear.  Mom and her brother, Del played at dances for many years throughout the state.  Mom made lots of big dinners for all of us, mostly all by herself……Her specialty was Apple Pie.  She made an apple pie to die for!!!

Family was most important to Mom.  She supported her kids and grandkids wholeheartedly.  She went to their tournaments and watched all of their games and activities.  She also loved watching the Seattle Mariners.

We wish to thank Hospice, their workers and volunteers for their wonderful support and care for Mom.  You enabled her to live at home until the end.

We will be having a family barbecue in August to remember Mom.  That is what she would want.  We miss you, Mom, but know you are watching over us as always.