Mildred Helen Moore Wade

Mildred Helen Moore Wade, 95, lived from December 6, 1927 to October 29, 2023. Her parents were James Bernard Moore, Jr. and Birdie Edith Thorn.  Born in Millville, New Jersey, the family moved various times due to her father’s job, finally settling in Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. She especially loved Vienna, Virginia. A graduate of Fairfax High School at age 16 and Madison College at 19, Millie majored in Home Economics.

Although she taught school for one year, her great joy was being a homemaker.

She and Glenn Simmons Wade were married on November 27, 1947 and eventually had four children: Sally Magnussen (Rick), David Wade (Deb), Jonathan Wade, and Daniel Wade (Darcy). She became grandmother to 9 grandchildren: Malena, Sarena, Andrea, Danielle, Emily, Jessica, Rebecca, Jacob and Georgia, and 16 great-grandchildren: Eva, Naomi, Josiah, Anika, Eben, Rosalie, Timmy, Jack, Max, Bennett, Adaline, Caleb, Greta, Elijah, Erik, and Abner.  She loved her family, praying for each one individually.

In 1952, polio curtailed many of Millie’s activities, yet she maintained her upbeat attitude and uncomplaining demeanor, along with her strong convictions. When conversing with a granddaughter regarding sad events in life, she observed that “Life is certainly like that, with lots of troubled times, but you just ‘praise the Lord and hit the high spots.’” Although she could no longer participate in physically demanding activities, Millie encouraged her children to do their best, with God’s help, in whatever they attempted.

 Millie liked to prepare nutritious meals, followed by delicious apple pie or chocolate chip bar cookies. Her children became adept at lifting the lid of the cookie jar silently.  An avid reader, Millie shared her love of books with her children. On long car trips, she read chapter books aloud to the family while Glenn was driving. She introduced her children to poetry, music, and fine art, encouraging visits to art galleries and concerts in the park.

Studying the Bible was very important to Millie, and she shared her learnings with her children, her neighbors, ladies Bible study groups and her close friends who called themselves “Zeteos” (those who seek in order to learn.) As a pastor’s wife, she was involved with church activities, but still made time to learn to oil paint, and was known for her floral paintings, especially of roses.  Every autumn Millie and Glenn set aside a day to drive to the Colorado mountains and admire the golden aspen leaves.  One summer they drove their RV to Alaska to fish. In later years, Millie and Glenn spent winters in Hawaii, where she swam and met friends from all over the world. She was very hospitable, and loved to entertain friends, enjoying long-term friendships.

In 2007, three years after Glenn passed away, Millie moved to Wesley Lea Hill in Auburn, WA. She joined a small group of aspiring writers called the Scribbler’s Club. For many months, she hand-wrote one story per week, mostly her memories, some from her childhood. Later, her writings were typed and bound into two booklets, which she gave to family members.

Millie liked her home to look tidy and well-ordered, or as she would say, “appropriate.” She believed in honoring God with her whole being, and personified the disciplines of eating thoughtfully, exercising faithfully, dressing with care, and planning for enough sleep. Her weekly hair appointments were not to be missed! Millie loved colorful scarves and wore them with flair. For many years she attended weekly church services. When family members arrived for her, she’d be downstairs with her walker, eager to go. Despite the pouring rain and bleak skies, she smiled a cheery “good morning,” and remarked on the beauty of the nearby budding trees. She was determined to be positive, against any odds.

Even as her mobility decreased and she depended on others for daily care, Millie still displayed her gracious attitude. As a Christian, Millie saw beyond the here and now. She believed in the blessed eternal hope provided by Jesus, and desired His peace and joy for everyone she knew.

Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, and brothers Raymond, Edward, Robert and James. She is survived by her brother Thomas, along with her large family of descendants.

Celebration of Life for Millie will be in Washington state:

Saturday, Dec 9 at 1:00 pm.

Wesley Lea Hill, 32049 109^th Place SE, Auburn, WA 98092

Graveside service for Millie will be in Colorado:

Wednesday, November 15 at 1:30 pm

Ft. Logan National Cemetery

Denver, CO 80236

If desired, donations in memory of Mildred may be sent to Samaritan’s Purse.