Mildred Louisa MCNISH

ROBINSON, Mildred L. (nee McNish) October 6, 1923 - August 24, 2007 Mildred Louisa Robinson was born in Lyn, ON. She was the younger daughter of Hiram Harris McNish and the former Ellen Mary Nutley. Mildred attended Yonge Mills Public School and Mallorytown Continuation School. It was during these years that she was stricken with polio, a disease which left her with lung and back problems, which never slowed her down in her full and productive life. During the early 1940s, she participated in the Wartime Emergency Training program. After attending business college in Ottawa, Mildred was employed as an executive secretary by the Canadian Civil Service in Ottawa, in the Ministry of Defence, office of the Deputy Minister. In 1949, Mildred was married in Lyn, ON to Harold E. Robinson. Mildred and Harold moved from Ottawa to Victoria in 1972. Here, Mildred continued working for the Department of National Defence and D.R.E.E. (Special A.R.D.A.) before her early retirement in 1979. She was a member of the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Ottawa and a member of the Church of St. John the Divine in Victoria. She served for many years on the executive committees of the Anglican Church Women in both parishes. Among her hobbies were knitting, art appreciation, literature, history and genealogy. She carried on her mother's heritage of a love of music, especially the symphony and the opera. She was a member of the Anglican Church Women, the Canadian Club, the Public Service Superannuation Association, the BC Post Polio Awareness Society, the Canadian Historical Society and the Leeds and Grenville Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society. She consistently supported her church in active service and will be remembered by many for her beautifully hand-knitted clothing which she donated to those in need. Mildred was a steadfast and compassionate friend to many people in Ottawa and Victoria. Her friends and relatives well know that she "kept in touch", helping us all maintain contact with one another. Mildred kept careful records of family history. She archived pictures, documents and heirlooms in order to keep the family aware of their heritage. Ongoing knowledge of, and pride in, family history will, we hope, be Mildred's legacy for many future generations. Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 9/5/2007