Mrs. Millicent Louise "Millie" (Myers) Mish

NEW HARTFORD – Mrs. Millicent Louise “Millie” (Myers) Mish, age 73, passed on to her heavenly home in Jesus Christ on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Wynn Hospital, following complications from multiple health conditions. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her loving sons and grandchildren. Born in Utica on June 5, 1951, Millie was the daughter of the late Raymond Burr and Charlotte (Olender) Myers, the second of their four children. She was blessed to know the love of her stepmother, the late Joyce Myers and stepfather, the late Jim Redner. She attended Utica public schools and graduated from Utica Free Academy/Class of 1968. That summer, she was a member of the color guard for the Magnificent Yankees Drum and Bugle Corps. In the fall of that same year, she attended Utica College, where she met and fell in love with Andrew Lee Mish of Bronxville, NY. They were soon engaged in September of 1969 and married on December 13th of the same year. The couple shared nearly 20 beautiful years together prior to Andy’s passing on December 10, 1989. Andy and Millie’s early years together took them from New York through Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, before returning to her Utica roots in the mid-1970s to be closer to her family – and to raise their own. She was a fulltime stay at home mother raising all her sons to adulthood, while also working hard part time to earn her degree at Mohawk Valley Community College. She went on to work for the Utica City School District as a teacher’s aide at Kernan Elementary School, Utica Notre Dame High School, and finally at Hughes Elementary School. A hard worker whose heart was in her job, Millie continued to work there full-time until she started having significant health problems this past June. Millie dedicated her life to helping shape and enrich the lives of children beyond the classroom and her own family. Millie volunteered much of her time as a scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America in multiple troops throughout the Leatherstocking Council, impacting the lives of numerous children. For this, she was bestowed one of BSA’s highest honors, the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service. She also received the highest honor of Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow, which is given to members recognizing their service to others through the OA and Scouting. Millie had a deep passion for the Adirondacks, where every year she spent many summer weeks and fall weekends camping. Her favorite childhood memories were camping trips at Lake Eaton in Long Lake; in adulthood, she would spend many camping trips at Limekiln Lake in Inlet; and in her more senior years, she loved the Old Forge Camping Resort. While outdoors, she was a responsible steward of nature’s resources, a respectful admirer of wildlife, and “Leave no trace.” An avid hockey fan, the sport was always part of her life. In the past, she was a board member, tournament director, and volunteer in the New Hartford and Whitestown youth hockey organizations. She served with the Whitestown AYSO as well. Millie would often be seen at the rinks watching her sons’ and grandchildren’s games. She also had much fun rooting for the local professional hockey teams, especially the Mohawk Valley Comets, the Utica Mohawks, the Mohawk Valley Stars, the Utica Devils, and most recently as a multiyear season ticket holder for the Utica Comets. Supporting local professional sports teams went beyond hockey, as she regularly attended games of the Utica Blue Jays in the 70s, the Utica Blue Sox in the 80s, and recently, UCFC soccer. A true sports enthusiast, she got in the trenches with her dedication, and supported her teams with all her heart. She is survived by her three devoted sons and their loves, Dr. Sheridan and Irene Mish, Emerson Mish and his fiancée Melissa Battle, and Aaron and Shannon Mish. She treasured in heart the memory of her infant son, Baby Mish. She further leaves her memory to her cherished grandchildren, Alison Mish and her boyfriend Glenn Keach II, Andrew Lee Mish II, Autumn Mish and her fiancé Austin Pierce, Emma Mish, James Mish, and Owen Mish; her dear siblings, Cyndi and Mark Widrick, Craig and Grace Myers, and Claudia LaBrecque (the late Joe LaBrecque); and her late stepmother Joyce’s children, Kathy Potempa, and Brian Wilson. Her loss is also felt by her nieces and nephews, Heather (LaBrecque) Milanesi, Jessica LaBrecque, Joshua LaBrecque, Jacob LaBrecque, and Rebekah LaBrecque, as well as their spouses, significant others, and children. Millie had spoken of the fond memories from her childhood with her relatives of the Olender and Zarnoch families. People who were like part of the family for Millie include Conor Hobbes, Sue Carpenter, and Teresa Ritzel. Millie revered Pastor David Green as a Christian leader for many years of her life. She was preceded into eternity by her niece, Missy Myers. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Millicent’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81516115449. Memorial contributions in Millicent’s honor may be made to the Leatherstocking Council, BSA online at https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/400/appeal/7183. Checks may be mailed to the Leatherstocking Council, BSA, 1401 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13501; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. This tribute to Millie’s life has been lovingly written by her family.

Mrs. Millicent Louise "Millie" (Myers) Mish

June 5, 1951 - September 17, 2024