Mildred E. Vincent, “Millie,” as she preferred to be called, passed away on May 5th, after a brief illness at Helen Porter, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 6, 1937, to William and Ruth Foster in Shoreham, VT. After a few years, the family moved north, and she grew up in the Colchester/Winooski area, where she graduated from Winooski High School.
After school, she went to work for Jack DeGraw at his bar in Winooski as a bartender and waitress. It was there that she met the love of her life, Andy. They were married and remained together until his passing in 2008. After leaving Jack’s, Millie worked in the kitchen at the former Mary Fletcher Hospital. She later worked for many years at the Weeks School in Vergennes as a cottage parent until the state closed the facility. She then went on to work for Shelburne Industries, where she remained until her retirement.
Millie’s loves in life included books—she was known to read a book a day—spending time on the porch when the weather was nice, book in hand, puzzles, and chickadees. Anyone who walked into her home would immediately notice the Game Show Network, which was on almost every time you visited. Above all, she cherished her family. Nothing lifted her spirits more than talking about or spending time with them, especially her great-grandchildren, whom she proudly spoke about whenever she had the chance.
Millie was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Andy; and her son, Bruce. She is survived by her son Bill and his wife Anne of Ferrisburgh; her daughter Linda and her husband Doug Parker of Williston; her grandchildren Chelsea and Eric Rheaume of Vergennes, Jon-Taylor and Morgan Vincent of Ferrisburgh, and Tracy Parker of Florida; and her great-grandchildren Addie, Andy, Zoey and Kira.
She also leaves behind a couple of very close neighbors who were like her extended family. Sherm and Karen Grant and their sons, and Jesse and Steph Brigan and their two children.
As per her wishes, there will be no public calling hours. Because as she made it well known to the family, “If you can’t come and see me when I’m alive, I sure as hell don’t want you looking at me when I’m dead.” A private interment will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Porter Hospital, especially the Helen Porter staff, and the Palliative Care Team for their dedicated and professional support during this difficult time.
Donations in Millie’s name can be made to Vergennes Area Rescue Squad or American Legion Auxiliary Post 14 Vergennes.
