PIPER, Mildred
Posted: February 2nd, 2018September 5, 1939 –
January 29, 2018
Mrs. Mildred Piper, beloved wife of Doug Piper, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, January 29, 2018 at the age of 78 years. Mildred was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta to Michael and Magdalena Roth. Mildred grew up in the Conquerville area and upon graduating high school, attended the University of Alberta where she earned her Teacher’s Certificate. Her teaching career started in Foremost then took her to Innisfail, and Burdett before returning back to Foremost. Doug entered her life and they were married on August 16, 1962. After teaching in Foremost for several years, she decided to work towards her degree in Education at the University of Lethbridge, attending night classes as she continued working. She spent over 30 years teaching mostly in the Grade One class and finishing her full time career as a Grade Two teacher. Mildred received an Excellence in Teaching Award, being nominated by her peers for her dedication and commitment to education. Following her retirement, she continued as a substitute teacher in surrounding colonies and schools. Mildred was a beloved teacher to countless students and many considered her their “favourite teacher”. After her rewarding teaching career, she travelled extensively. Her love of travel took her to parts of Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Mildred found her greatest joy in her family. She was such a loving Mom and Grandma who was very supportive, helpful and protective of her family. Her grandchildren meant the world to her and she spent many hours reading to them, playing with them and always creating an opportunity to learn something new. She was her grandchildren’s biggest fan, being present at all hockey, volleyball, basketball, and track events. Mildred was actively involved with the United Church in Foremost, and the Foremost Senior Citizens organization. She would volunteer countless hours, whether it being serving at pancake suppers, working at the rodeo booths, doing highway cleanup, and making coffee at the senior centre. She was always willing to lend a hand, had such a kind heart, and was very generous. Mildred had such a “green thumb” and her back yard was always blooming with beautiful colours. Many were recipients of her bountiful garden. Mildred is survived by her husband Doug Piper; son Rod (Simone) Piper of Foremost; granddaughter Candace (Cody) Roome; grandsons Brandon Piper (Kayla Isleifson) and Austin Piper; and great-grandson Connor Roome. She is also survived by brother-in-law George Piper; sisters-in-law Lyn Dillenbeck and Linda Baziuk; as well as numerous very special nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Magdalena Roth; mother and father-in-law John and Ruthea Piper; sister Marion Collins; brother Michael Roth; as well as Merle Collins, Laurette Roth, and Bryan Dillenbeck. Mildred loved her community and in lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation, please do so to either the Foremost Community Hall, 802 1 Ave W, Foremost, AB T0K 0X0 or the Foremost Municipal Library,103 1 Ave E, Foremost, AB T0K 0X0. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, February 5, 2018 at the FOREMOST COMMUNITY HALL, 802 – 1 Avenue West, Foremost, AB., with Reverend Terry Shillington, officiating. Interment will be held in the Foremost Cemetery.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Millie was a wonderful mentor to me when I started my teaching career in Sept ‘86 in Foremost. We team taught Grade 1, which had 30 or so students. The school was under construction then, so we made the best of having a few boxes of books for our library and I took small groups out to work in the little boot room in the North end entrance. I remember Millie always being so positive even in the chaos. Always being flexible when plans changed, and just loving her kids! I learned so many tricks of the trade from her, many which I still use in my grade one classroom today. Know that she always spoke highly of her family and she truly was a gem of a teacher. God bless you all
From Linda and Darwin Gatz