Mildred Canfield-Rochester

Wednesday, January 27 ^th , 2016, Mildred Pauline Canfield 86, died peacefully at Season's Hospice surrounded by members of her loving family and the glory of nature.

Mildred was the middle of five children born to Emil and Agatha Girsch of Gilbertville Iowa on September 10, 1929. It was from her upbringing on the farm that Mildred learned to appreciate hard work, taking care of what's yours, the cycle of life, and to take care of nature and it will take care of you. "Gramma Millie" understood what it meant to live a green life long before the concept existed.

Mildred married Virgil C. Canfield July 22, 1952. The couple moved to Rochester in 1957 when IBM chose Rochester as the site of their new manufacturing plant. They built their own home outside of Rochester in 1976 and it was there that Mildred enjoyed gardening, bird watching and the peaceful serenity of the countryside. The couple had a strong and beautiful union together until her husband's unanticipated death in 1994.

Mildred loved her role as mother and grandmother. She was blessed to have been a big part of her eight grandchildren's lives. She is survived by her children, Charlotte (Tom) Reding of Dunnellon Florida, Mary (Ken) Zaiken of Rochester and Annette (Randy) Schmidt of Rochester; grandchildren Nicole, Tonia, Adam, Beth, Annelise, Jessica, Stephanie, and Michael; seven great grandchildren; siblings Mary (Norb) Delagardelle, Joe (Donna) Girsch, sister-in-law Karen (Steve) Hedden.

Per Mildred's wishes, her body was cremated and will be interned during a private graveside memorial service next to her husband at Calvary Cemetery. Family will gather and friends are invited to express their condolences at the home of Mildred's daughter Mary (Ken) Zaiken on Monday, February 1, 2016, 1704 11 ^th Street SW Rochester MN after this service from 1-5 PM.

The family requests that in honor of the unpretentious way Mildred led her life that no memorials are sent to the family. Instead, please honor nature with a new plant or bird feeding station, an act of kindness to someone in need, or a donation to a cause of your choice.

Online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com.