BORN

1925

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

The Fortin Group

217 Turner Street

Auburn, Maine

Milda McAlister Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 24, 2017.

Milda A. McAlister, died peacefully on September 22, 2017 at Clover Manor. Howe's Corner, in Turner, is where she was born, on October 18, 1925, the daughter of Henry and Albina Pratt. She attended Turner Grammar School and Leavitt Institute, where she graduated in 1943. She worked at R.I.Mitchell, Beckerman Shoe, and most of her career she worked as a bookkeeper with Gould & Scammon/Inefco International for 41 years. Dancing she loved, playing basketball in the forward position, was her other love, where she greatly excelled in both. She participated in softball, playing outfield for two years, in which she stated, "I was lousy at." She also participated in Junior Drama, L.I.H.E Club, Secretary of S.A. A., Class Editor and Girls' Sports Editor. In Junior High, she participated in the 4H Club where she learned her skill in sewing. She was very meticulous in her creation of clothing and received many compliments on the quality of her handy work. Another creative asset was in her knitting. She enjoyed tending to her vegetable and flower gardens and we all enjoyed eating her fresh, plump raspberries. In her senior years, as a member of Court Street Baptist Church, she was very involved in making aprons, to be used to raise funds to support girls and women who were being sold into sex trafficking. She also worked weekly in the clothing giveaway program at the church and made herself available to care for the children who came in with their parents, also helping and supplying goodies for the meetings and meals at the church. Served as a volunteer driver supplying transportation to cancer patients for their Doctor's appointments and a faithful giver of all she had to give, always willing to lend a hand when someone was in need. She was a woman of great Faith and was a great example! She very much loved her family, and her church family, who were a big part of her life and enjoyment. She is a Beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother who will be greatly missed! She left behind a son, Lewis McAlister of Auburn, daughter, Sandra Gowell of New Gloucester; six Grandchildren, Lewis McAlister, Jr. Janis Terison, Timothy McAlister, and Rebecca Grant, Maurice Gowell, Crystal Jordan, and 7 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great, Great Grandchild, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husbands, Burton McAlister, George Bray, sisters, Marie Adams, and Virginia Emerson and a brother, Orison Pratt. Visitation Fortin Auburn Thursday Sept28 from 9-11 AM. Funeral will follow at 11 AM at the funeral Home. Committal will be at Gracelawn Memorial Park. If you would like to contribute to a cause in lieu of flowers, Mother would love to see it go to the current work of the restoration of the stained glass windows of the Court Street Baptist Church 112 Court St. Auburn Maine 04210. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner St. Auburn 783-8545

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November 3, 2017

Milda and Me

We grew up together in Turner, Maine. I thought she was a baby until we grew up and found out she was only three years younger. Milda was my cousin, and while we sort of went our separate ways after we left Turner, the friendship held fast and became stronger later, especially after we regained it in about 2000.

She was working at Gould and Scammon. When Helen Morrill and I came home from a three-day vacation and told her of the fun we had, she quit her job the next day and from then on attended Court Street Baptist Church so she could join us in our retirement. She was very happy here at the church.

I had a time-share in North Conway, which I shared with friends each year. Milda enjoyed going there for many years.

Milda enjoyed greeting in the "Clothes Closet" at the church, often holding the babies while their moms shopped.

Mae Donahue

October 3, 2017

Nancy Clark

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

September 29, 2017

Sandra Gowell

As I think of Mom, and who she was, my heart swells with pride. She was a strong, independent woman, who just kept going despite the challenges and the hurts that came against her. She maintained her quiet peace, and what gave her that peace was her relationship with Jesus. I have had people say to me, that she was very quiet, it was hard to get to know her, but once they did, they liked her and found her to be a great deal of fun.

Mother loved her family, so deeply. She always tried to do what she felt was best for her children through all of the challenges. Sometimes we understood and sometimes we just could not see the whole picture until much later; then understanding came, and much appreciation and thankfulness followed. She sacrificed greatly for her children.

Mother worked very hard and she carried the full load of life's responsibilities, but she always carried on positively, and as hard as she worked and as tired as she would sometimes be, she always made time for us to share in fun times. Mother's main focus was to have us be involved in church, weekly; very important, and to go to special events and gatherings to hear more of the good news of the gospel. I learned and grew to have a solid foundation in Christ. It made all the difference, for the two of us. Another Blessing that I share with Mother, is our Baptism together; I was twelve and she was forty four. Mother would take me quite often to the movies, and I remember one time, this particular movie had a scene that was not what she had expected and she took my hand and we quietly walked out of the theater, and she just explained that that was not of benefit to me, to see that. Many weekends she would take me to, I believe the name was Sim's Restaurant in Auburn, where they had the best lobster rolls, fries and coleslaw and we enjoyed that feast often. This is an occasion that I sadly remember. Why? I was not going to get my usual feast of a lobster roll, because she was short on money. So, what did I do? Well, I had myself a temper tantrum. Did I get my way? Not at all !! ; ) She taught me well ! We would also go bike riding together, she taught me to sew and cook; visited many friends and socialized with family. She would send me to a Christian campground two weeks every summer. Many good times, she afforded me. Moving on to adulthood, we spent many hours playing Scrabble and Rummy. Her grandson, my son, Moe, had one day, brought over the game Settlers of Catan and the game was fun to play, but after a few times at it, she got frustrated, saying that we both deliberately were cutting her off from building her settlements (which is the idea) ; ) after all, but my son and I were having way too much fun, picking on her, and then much to our disappointment, she announced I am not playing with you two anymore! We all had a good laugh.

Every year, I would take Mother to North Conway, where she greatly enjoyed going to Jonathan's Restaurant, for a Seafood feast, she also loved going to Cook's Corner at Bailey's Island. We have taken other trips together to N.H., New York, Philadelphia, The mountains of Georgia, (can't remember the name of the place, but it was like being in Switzerland), and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.. Wonderful memories! We enjoyed going to the lakes and ocean, to enjoy the water, sun and fresh air; going berry picking and making delectable desserts and freeze some for future indulgences. Mother and I, our lives were closely intertwined. She loved her family and she knew that she was loved.

Did we have our challenges and upsets; indeed, just like everybody else, but it was never long, before we were back on the peace train !!

Life will never be the same without Mom, but I hold onto the fact, that one day, we
will be together again, only then, it will be even more special !!

September 27, 2017

Marianne Snow

My thoughts and prayers go out to Lewis, Sandra and family. I can remember our family gatherings when the families took turns having Sunday dinners. In talking with Lewis, I am happy that she is able to join her family. I have fond memories of Aunt Milda, she will truly be missed. Keep your memories close.

September 27, 2017

Barbara West

Lewis and family so sorry foe the loss of your dear mother. Your mom was always pleasant to Ken and our family. I really enjoyed seeing all the pictures giving tribute to Miley's life. May God Bless everyone in your family.

Barbara and Ken West

September 26, 2017

Moe, and family. So sorry for your loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting Your gram. The respect and love you, Moe ,showed her tells me she was a great lady.. As you celebrate her life,know our hearts are with you..Love and hugs. Sandy and Bob

September 26, 2017

Lawrence Gowell

She was a lady of great Character and honor and lived a life of giving of her time and money to help her Church, family and friends as she was a very frugal lady who saved to help others in need. She was the rock of her family and will be sorely missed by everyone that knew her.

Larry Gowell

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The Fortin Group

217 Turner Street, Auburn, ME 04210

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