Mildred W. Elberfeld

Mildred Walker Elberfeld, known affectionately as Millie by all who knew her, died at age 97 on December 31, 2020 in Hamilton, Ohio, where she had lived for over 50 years. Born on May 29, 1923 in Memphis, TN to Samuel A. and Olave McIntyre Walker, Mildred McIntyre Walker grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, where she graduated from Central High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology from The Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio, and nearly finished a master’s degree in English at Miami. While in Oxford, Millie met her future husband of 65 years, Richard (Dick) Elberfeld, who preceded her in death on September 11, 2010. Together they raised their four children: Richard Elberfeld, Jr. (Sung Hui) of Erie, PA; Robert (Julie) of West Chester, OH; David (Amy) of Batavia, OH; and Anne Cole (Allen) of Mt. Healthy, OH. Ten grandchildren and three step-grandchildren survive along with five great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. Her older brothers Samuel A. Walker, Jr. and Robert Walker and older sister Mary Russell (Mie) preceded her in death. Millie had numerous nieces and nephews. Millie’s emphasis on education continued to guide her life. In Hillsboro, OH in the 1960s, she founded a private kindergarten, a bold and independent move for a woman of the era. After she and Dick moved to Hamilton, OH and she had completed her teacher certification, Millie taught in the public schools there. After the first wave of Vietnamese immigrants settled in Hamilton after the Vietnam War, she was proud to teach these new students, too. As a lifelong Episcopalian, she and Dick were members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Hamilton for over fifty years. Millie served on the Altar Guild and founded the parish’s chapter of Episcopal Church Women (ECW). She was also a member of the D.A.R. A devotee of the arts and music, Millie played violin throughout her youth and, until recently, the piano. She loved opera and ballet and was a 50-year subscriber to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. A private service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church. Memorials can be made in Millie’s honor to the Animal Friends Humane Society or to Trinity Episcopal Church, Hamilton. Online condolences are available at www.weigelfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Mildred W. Elberfeld

May 29, 1923 - December 31, 2020