Millersburg family counts its blessings, celebrates a birthday

by Peter Jakey-Managing Editor

Maria von Trapp sang about cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels in the song “My Favorite Things,” which was made famous in the movie “Sound of Music.”

MILLERSBURG MATRIARCH, Mildred Leach, celebrate her 90th birthday on Thanksgiving Day. She had already received flowers and several cards. Mildred was born Nov. 23, 1923 in an Ocqueoc farmhouse. (Photo by Peter Jakey)

 

The song has become a holiday staple and will be sung by Carrie Underwood, who will play the would-be nun in the live television version next Thursday on NBC.

Maria’s favorite things are among the simplest of life – warm mittens and satin sashes.

Mildred Leach of Millersburg knows a lot about enjoying life’s simple pleasures such as watching the colorful blue jays in the bird feeder outside of her living room window.

Her comfy recliner, in which she spends much of her waking days, is pretty important too. Mildred’s version of the song would also include the Polish meat stick, “pickled long johns.”

This week, Mildred is celebrating a milestone birthday, and will be doing it with her favorite people.

She reached 90 Nov. 23 and her birthday will be celebrated on Thanksgiving Day with all 10 of her children in attendance. From the oldest to the youngest, they all will be at the Case Township Community Center.

Family members, most of whom still live in the area, will take over the former school building for the special gathering. And, yes, Mildred’s recliner will be brought over for the afternoon.

“God has been good to me,” said Mildred, with a warm smile that reflects a charming personality.

Life’s tragedies have not soured one of Millersburg’s friendliest citizens. She lost her husband, Thomas, in a construction accident 52 years ago near Lansing, and was left to raise nine kids. Her oldest, Carol Arnold, 70, had left the nest to get married, but nine young people needed the extra love and attention to help fill the void. The next oldest was 14-year-old Larry.

“She raised them all by herself,” said Carol.

“You have to do it,” said Mildred, when asked what it was like to raise that many kids without her husband. “Nobody will do it for you.”

Mildred was born in an Ocqueoc farmhouse that still stands along Ocqueoc Road. She moved to Millersburg after several years of being married, and that is where she has wanted to stay. She is also a woman of faith, as the walls decorated with pictures of Jesus and crosses attest.

There will be upwards of 100 family members at the holiday/birthday party.

When was the last time all 10 of Mildred’s children got together for Thanksgiving?

“That don’t happen very often,” said Carol, who had lived in Arizona, but when her husband passed away earlier this year, she moved back to care for her mother.

And what are family gatherings like.

“That’s one thing our family does — we all get along,” said Carol.

“I sure am glad to have them all around,” said Mildred.

Jeff, the youngest, will be traveled from Maryland. He arrived on Tuesday. Only a few of the grandchildren will not be there.

Mildred’s home is not as well-known as the large blue spruce that is at one of the highest points in Millersburg, Mildred’s yard.

It is decorated with Christmas lights from top to bottom. It’s a wonderful symbol of Christmas in the village, especially

for motorist coming in from the north. The tree is to officially be lit on Thanksgiving Day.

Larry’s son Michael planted the tree three decades ago.

The rest of Mildred’s children include: Edward, Dale, David and Rodney Leach, as well as Kathy Merchant, Triena Rokas and Tammy Bischoff.

While family members have their own lives with different lifestyles to respect, the one constant throughout the years has been their loving matriarch.

Mildred’s special birthday will be celebrated on a day that’s all about family. Fitting reasons to give thanks this holiday weekend.