Ellington Obituary: Mildred Dimock, 102

Mildred Arens Dimock, 102, of Ellington, died peacefully Thursday, June 22, 2017.

Born in Springfield, MA, daughter of Frederick H. and Jeanie H. Arens on September 6, 1914, Mildred moved to Ellington in 1917. She married Gordon H. Dimock on June 25, 1935, and was married for 73 years until his passing in 2008.

Mildred graduated from Rockville High School as salutatorian of her class. She always had a very inquisitive mind and lived a life of loving service to her family, church and town. Any extra time was spent gardening, reading and doing crossword puzzles. She was a role model to her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Mildred joined the Ellington Congregational Church in 1928 where she met Gordon. She taught Sunday School, became superintendent in the early 1940's and served in that role almost continuously until 1961. Subsequently she served 27 years as Church Treasurer. She held many positions, including President in the Women's Fellowship.

In 1981, the Fellowship was first asked to serve a luncheon after a funeral. Mildred assumed responsibility and continued to run this function for many years. She also ran the kitchen for the annual Farm House Fair for many years and became known for her chicken a la king. Most recently she held the position of Historian for the Church. In 2003, Mildred received the Connecticut Lay Woman state recognition award from the United Church of Christ.

Mildred served as secretary to the First Selectman in Ellington for 22 years, retiring in 1972. She also served as secretary to the zoning officer, zoning board, building official and sewer commission. She was a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission when Sandy Beach was established and tennis courts were first built in Brookside Park. She served on the charter revision commission in 1975.

In 1938, Mildred joined the Ellington Women’s Club holding many offices and was instrumental in starting and caring for the flowerbeds in the center of town. She was also active in the Ellington Historical Society and was awarded a life membership in 1991. In 2005, she was honored when her name was added to the Ellington Wall of Honor at Arbor Park with the inscription "over 60 years of exemplary community service". In September 2014, Mildred was honored with a widely attended 100th birthday celebration and had her birthday dedicated to her by the Town of Ellington.

"MO" as she is known to her family is survived by her sons Richard and his wife Patricia, Rodney and his wife Marilee, grandchildren Whiting Leary and her husband Douglas, Robert "Toby" Dimock, James Dimock and wife Kelly, and Jeff Uzzel. She is also survived by great grandchildren Melina and McKenna Leary and Elizabeth, Daniel and Jack Dimock, nieces Jean Koulack-Young, Dawn Stone, Nan Crystal Arens, Marjorie Warner, Dorothy Beerworth, and Virginia Quattropani, nephew F. David Arens, and special friends Debby and Rob Wallace and Martha McHutchison. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sister Winifred Young, brother John Arens and nephew Robert Lanz.

The family wishes to thank the staffs at White Oaks Retirement Community in Manchester and Vernon Manor in Vernon for the wonderful care she received since she left her home at the age of 97.

A memorial service will be held at Ellington Congregational Church, 72 Main Street, Ellington, on Saturday, July 1st at 3:00 pm. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Ellington Congregational Church, P.O. Box 216, Ellington, CT 06029.

Online condolences may be made at www.carmonfuneralhome.com.