A heart stopped beating …a heart that raised two boys into adulthood and saw to it that manners were learned and lessons studied. A heart that was ‘Gammy’ to her two grandchildren, and she showered them with love. In her house, no one was unwelcome and large holiday meals were attended by her family and friends for many, memorable years. A heart that loved Christmas, decorating a Christmas tree and giving presents. A heart that gave to charity and volunteered her time to help those less fortunate in our community. Although she is gone her family and friends will never forget the good times she provided for all of us. Good bye, Mom
Mildred Priscilla (Wilson) Halberstein, beloved wife of
Mildred had a creative mind and restless spirit as reflected in her varied career interests and hobbies. She worked in laboratory testing, nursing, banking, and real estate. She volunteered at NFRH, and was a member of the American Cancer Society and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. She sewed beautiful quilts and blankets, and donated them to those in need. Mildred was very outgoing and enjoyed interacting with people. She had a truly fulfilling work life to complement her loving home and social life. Mildred was a lifelong fan of the Gators, and along with Marvin was a member of the Gator Tipoff Club.
Mildred is survived by her husband, Marvin, her two sons Santford “Sandy” Russell Wilson III (
A graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, March 6, 2009 at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice of North Central Florida, at 4200 NW 90 Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606, or the Alzheimer’s Association at 2411 NW 41 St, Gainesville, FL 32606.
A beautiful,loving woman, who gave so much to her daughter-in-law and grandchildren. You have left such a vacant space in our lives. Yet, the memories are great…we had so much fun during those holiday times! You loved Jenna and Alex so much!
I was one of those that Mildred invited into her home. I lived in Atlanta and attended UF 1962-1965. She and her family befriended my roommate (Marquis Baeszler) and me and they became our home away from home. It was great! It was like having a mother and father and two younger brothers in Gainesville. It was a rich time for Marquis and me as well as for our girlfriends who came down and stayed at the Wilson’s house several times a year. We married Carol and Suzanne after College and have since held Mildred and her family in highest regard. I’m saddened to learn of her death.
Mildred, a nurse for a surgeon, met me in 1959 as a 15 year old recovering from surgery while visiting Gainesville. When I later attended the University of Florida, Mildred located me and welcomed me, my then girl friend and later wife, Suzanne, Wayne, my roommate and his girlfriend, Carol, into the Wilson family. Mildred offered us a home away from home. We grew to love Mildred, Tom and Sandy. We will never forget this fun, caring woman. She will be missed but not forgotten.
I was thinking about you today, and thought I would drop in and say we miss you, Gammy.
Love, Jenna