Mildred (Millie) Lenore Padilla 11/14/1930 to 1/14/2025 Age 94, passed away on January 14, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family after a many-years journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
Mildred was born in Canton, Illinois on November 14, 1930, to Guy and Lillian Williams of Chicago, Illinois. Millie was the second youngest of 13 siblings who preceded her in death.
Mildred grew up in Chicago, Illinois and part-time in Portage, Indiana which at the time was known as Garyton, and Valparaiso, Indiana.
Mildred married Michael Padilla in 1948 and they lived in Chicago, and ultimately made their forever home in the home she loved that Mike built in Portage, Indiana.
Mildred is survived by her husband and love of her life, Michael G. Padilla, her five children, Lenore Samanas, Michael (Rosmary) Padilla, Linda Diaz, Marie (Gary) Crist and Steven Padilla, also eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her son in law, Bob Samanas.
Mildred loved the lord and was a long-time member of the Hope Lutheran Church in Portage, Indiana and later with the Augustana Lutheran Church in Hobart, Indiana. She participated in many activities and held roles as the church treasurer and Sunday school teacher and often volunteered for cleaning and helping with special events. Mildred always gave to charities and was always the advocate for people in need.
Mildred was a seamstress and made clothing, pillows, curtains, embroidered art for her home, and also made clothes and Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.
Mildred committed to staying home to take care of her family but also held jobs when she was younger as a restaurant server. She worked in McGill’s factory in Valparaiso, as a bank teller in Portage, and as a teacher’s aide at Central Elementary School in Portage. She ultimately completed her cosmetology degree and had a home beauty salon and was the hair stylist for family and extended family.
There will be a memorial service announced in the future in celebration of her life.