Mildred B. Papineau, 99, of Gladstone and former Rapid River resident, died Thursday, April 15, 2004, at the Christian Park Village Health Care Center in Escanaba where she was currently a patient. Mildred was born Jan. 24, 1905, in Rapid River, the daughter of Frank and Cora (Carmody) Callahan and spent most of her life in that community. After graduating from the Rapid River High School, she attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette where she received her teaching certificate. She taught in various schools, including Masonville Twp., Rapid River, Alton, Rock, Silverdale, Stonington, and at St. Joseph School in Escanaba. She completely retired from teaching in 1969.

Mildred married Orin Papineau in 1928 and he preceded her in death in 1973 and she then relocated to Fairview Manor in Gladstone from Rapid River in 1974. Mildred was a member of All Saints Church, Gladstone Senior Center, and the “Friendship Club” at Fairview Manor. Before her disability with blindness, she enjoyed crocheting, knitting, playing cards, cooking, and baking.Mildred will fondly be remembered as a devoted teacher, loving wife, and of independent mind.

Mildred Papineau’s survivors include:
2 brothers, Raymond (Marie) Callahan of Rapid River, MI
Jerry (Edna) LaFountaine of Lapeer, MI
1 sister, Clara McCabe of New York
numerous nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents and husband, Orin, she was also preceded in death by six sisters and a brother.

The family of Mildred B. Papineau will receive friends on Monday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services celebrating Mildred’s life will follow at 6 p.m. Monday at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Burial will be in the Rapid River Cemetery. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Papineau family