Mildred Reames Donovick, born April 28, 1922, in Lafayette, Colo., died Sept. 16, 2017, in Seattle, Wash. She was the daughter of Walter and Frances Reames and the youngest of five siblings.

Mildred had a zest for life and brought joy to all that knew her. She always had a smile on her face and a hug that made you feel welcomed. She was generous, warm, and a loyal friend to so many who loved her, for her unique and direct way of telling it like it is. She was one of a kind.

While living in San Francisco during WWII, Mildred learned to cook. She quickly honed those skills while collecting hundreds of recipes. Throughout her life, Millie made memories cooking for holidays, special occasions, and charity events. Her family remembers growing up with homegrown food, where there was always room at the table for friends and family. Her favorite family tradition was to have everyone to her home for Thanksgiving, where she would make the full turkey dinner with her signature oyster dressing and pies.

Raised in Hoquiam, Wash., Millie played both the double bass viola and the piano, and was an accomplished seamstress. She loved to cook and entertain and always did her best to make sure everyone felt included. She had a way of finding the best in everyone and was the first to sign up when help was needed. Growing up, her family does not remember a time she was not mentoring or helping someone. She took the time and invested in people.

When the youngest of her children started school, she began her role in giving back to the community. She was both a Brownie and Cub Scout leader, YMCA Guild President, City of Hope chapter President, Grays Harbor College event chairman, child advocate and foster parent – always giving 110%.

Millie moved to Seattle in 1983 to be closer to her family. For the next 32 years she spent part of the winter on her beloved Maui, Hawaii. Even on Maui she enjoyed hosting family and friends with her wonderful food and hospitality. Millie was the happiest when she was in “her kitchen.”

Millie’s attitude is what really stood out, she did her best to not let anything get in the way. She was an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to have her as part of their life. She will be deeply missed by not only her family, but also by her many friends.

She was preceded in death by her son Matt and five siblings. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Rubin (Jerome), son Mark (Rose), six grandchildren: Anna Backholm, Julia Khan (Shaheed), Garrett Donovick (Mariah), David, Dana and Mark Donovick and three great-grandchildren, Kale and Mila Donovick, and Norah Khan.

Family and friends of Millie’s are warmly invited to celebrate Millie’s life at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Polson Museum in Hoquiam, Wash.