Olga Mills

Olga Emily Mills, 88, of Bellaire died on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at her home in Bellaire.

Olga was born June 16, 1920, in Cicero, Illinois, the daughter of Peter and Jenny (Rainard) Zaldokas, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Peter, and her husband, Sheldon.

Olga was valedictorian of her high school graduating class in Luther and graduated from Northern Michigan University with high honors. Her first job was as secretary in the dean's office at the University of Chicago. She became a teacher and retired from Rapid City Elementary School. Her husband was also a teacher and in the summers they operated their cherry farm near Bellaire.

In their retirement, Olga and Sheldon remained active. They climbed Mount Washington, camped out in the back of their pickup in Montana, attended dowsers conventions, and marched for peace. Olga was a voracious reader. She returned to the painting she first tried at the Chicago Art Institute. She enjoyed the Bellaire Senior Center, especially Tai Chi and painting classes, and worked for the Board of Canvassers at election time. Being interested in progressive thinking, Olga relished the humor of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert and was elated at the election of Barack Obama.

Olga appreciated the natural beauty of the world and enjoyed working in her vegetable garden and the lakes and rolling hills of the area where she made her home. She is survived by her two sons. She enjoyed discussing articles in Scientific American with Kelly and contemporary Swedish culture with Mark.

At her request, there will be no services. Memorials may be made in Olga's name to the Bellaire Public Library.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.