February 12, 1928 - February 5, 2021
Mrs. Mildred 'Millie' Mary Jean Melvin (nee Chambers) went to be with her loved ones in Heaven, on Friday, February 5, 2021 at the age of 92 years. Millie was born to Stan and Margaret Chambers, outside of Weyburn, in McTaggart, Saskatchewan on February 12, 1928.
Her family moved to a Fruit Farm in Sunnybrae, British Columbia; where she had many adventures riding horses and climbing trees. As a young adult, she lived in Victoria; where she worked in a fine sweater shop and then as a Chiropractor's Assistant. While living in Victoria, she met Dave Melvin, who was a Sailor in the Royal Canadian Navy. After they married in Salmon Arm on December 7, 1949, Dave left the Navy and they moved to Alberta.
Millie always told the story of how she left Victoria, in February 1950, when the flowers were coming out in Victoria and she got off the train in Edmonton, in a - 40F blizzard. Millie and Dave lived in Edmonton, Red Deer and Medicine Hat, before settling in Stettler, to open and operate Mel's Shoe Store together, for twenty years. Millie did all the artwork and window displays for the store.
They raised three children during their time in the Stettler and Botha Areas: Budd, Darrel, and Margaret Ann. Millie taught each of their children to read, before they started school, enjoyed her large garden, and was a talented cook. Dave and Millie sold Mel's Shoes in 1977. They moved to Red Deer in the 1980's; where Dave worked as a Travelling Sales Rep for Westward Parts.
Millie spent hours in her garden and travelling with Dave in their motorhome, to British Columbia and Alberta, for Sales trips. In 1994, they retired and moved to Riondel, British Columbia, to enjoy fishing in the lake, gardening beside the house, and especially the moderate temperatures and long growing season.
Dave passed away from a stroke in 2013, and Millie moved back to Red Deer, to be close to her family. Millie made many new friends while living at Bethany CollegeSide, over the next seven years. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2019, followed by a recurrence of cancer in 2020, Millie passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Hospice.
Millie leaves to mourn her loss, her sons, Budd (Maureen) and Darrel (Bonny), her daughter, Margaret Ann (Kevin) Jeffrey, her grandchildren and great grandchildren; as well as other family and friends. Millie's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Nav Rattan, and the Staff at the Red Deer Hospice, for the excellent care they provided to Millie.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Millie's honor may be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice Society at www.reddeerhospice.com or to the Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium