MILDRED IRENE BROCKIE

Mildred Brockie passed away peacefully at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances, Ont. on Friday, March 26, 2010.
Mildred was born in Fort Frances on Sept. 23, 1916, the daughter of Bruce and Belle Lloyd, and sister to Bill Lloyd.
She attended local schools, beginning with kindergarten, held in the basement of the Public Library as at that time there was no kindergarten in Robert Moore School.
As a lover of music, she completed her ATCM in piano in Toronto at the Conservatory of Music. When the first orchestra was formed at Fort Frances High School, in 1932, she played the cello.
Mildred graduated from the University of Toronto in 1937 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by the Ontario College of Education.
She began her high school teaching career in 1939, teaching languages and music in Schomberg, Ont. She also coached track and field and led a girls’ Glee Club.
Later, Mildred also taught in Dryden, Schumacker, and Timmins, Ont. After the war, when she returned to Fort Frances, she taught at the local high school for several years.
She was considered an excellent teacher, respected by her colleagues and well-liked by her students.
In November, 1942, Mildred married David Brockie. After spending two years apart while David was in the RCAF in England, they returned to Fort Frances.
She enjoyed conducting various orchestras and glee clubs, including the Melody Queens, a popular girls’ group in the late 1950s. She reunited the group in 1994 at Fort Frances High School’s 75th anniversary.
She served two terms on the Border Concert Directory, taught Sunday School, and served as CGIT leader at Knox United Church. She was treasurer for the first high school 1930s reunion in 1975, and was co-chair and treasurer for the second reunion in 1980.
She also was an active member of the Fort Frances Horticultural Society, serving as treasurer for several years. She enjoyed gardening until age 85.
As well, she was a founding member of the Fort Frances Museum, and has donated many artifacts over the years.
She also enjoyed spending time with her late husband, Dave, on Rainy Lake, first at Belle Isle and later at their cabin on Rice Bay.
She liked dancing, especially square dancing, which she and her husband, Dave, taught for many years. In 1987, she and Dave received the Ontario Trillium Merit Award in recognition of the time and effort spent teaching square dancing.
Mildred is survived by her children, Ted and Helen; daughter-in-law, Ruth Brockie and son-in-law, Richard Moszynski; five grandchildren, Lisa, Craig, Jennifer, Sherri, and Chris; and her three great-grandchildren, Skylar, Ryan, and Ronan.
Mildred was a loving and generous wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who will be missed by her family and wide circle of friends.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 3 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with Rev. Barb Miller officiating.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the MS Society or Knox United Church c/o Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.