Alida MacMillan

She was the oldest of four girls; her sisters are Waltraud, Klara, and Rita.

As a young girl, her fortitude was already apparent. She was around 12 years old and walking on top of a fence and fell. She knew she was hurt but she also knew she wasn’t supposed to be on that fence. At dinner she wasn’t using her left arm and her mother kept asking what was wrong. Nothing she says; she had a broken collarbone.

This same fortitude helped her get through World War II. She and Waltraud would ride their bikes in the middle of the night to make sure to be first in line for the milk rations. She would get in trouble from her Father for not going into the cellar during an air raid. She just wanted to stay in bed and sleep. She’d wake up with plaster all over her bed.

She was working at the local newspaper, the Bremer-Zeitung, during the war. David L. MacMillan Jr was a US Army Infantryman in the 29th Division and happened to be a typesetter. He and his fellow printers took over the newspaper office to print “The Twenty-Niner”. They met during this time and despite the anti-fraternization rule, they did, and fell in love.

Dave left for home in 1946 and she had to wait until German Nationals were allowed into the US. They could only communicate by mail and they exchanged pictures and letters. Dave would send her fabric and nylons and whatever else she wanted. During this time she worked as a typist and clerk for the Stock Control Division of the US Army and received a glowing letter of reference.

In late April of 1947 with 5 other Bremen “Frauleins”, she set sail on the USS American Banker bound for Boston. The first 6 ‘war’ brides allowed to book passage to the US. She left her home and her family, and her country, with a small, wooden suitcase built by her father, to start her new life and her own family.

She and Dave were married on May 1, 1947 in Compton, California. Alida became a citizen of the United States on October 14, 1949.

Alida embraced Dave’s children from his prior marriage, David and Frances and also helped take care of Dave’s parents. In 1950, Robert Bruce was born and in 1951, William Ernest. They lived in Eagle Rock (Los Angeles) until 1956 when the family moved to Portland. In 1961, Peggy Ann was born.

Dave and Alida became involved in the Scandinavian Chorus when they arrived in Portland. It was a source of joy, companionship, and activity that they enjoyed until they physically could no longer do so. Alida also volunteered with Loaves & Fishes, and the Mustard Seed store at All Saints Episcopal Church. She helped with Peggy’s Camp Fire groups teaching embroidery, knitting, and crocheting.

Alida was a bright, talented and creative person. In addition to needlework, she loved music, calligraphy, gardening, family camping trips, reading, and poetry. She was happy, positive, and funny. She was selfless. She took care of her relatives, friends, and neighbors. In her spare time she knitted lap blankets for veterans at the VA hospital.

After Dave passed away in June 2000, she faced a new challenge. Her physical limitations made it difficult to stay in the house by herself and she ventured to the next stage of her life at Homewoods on the Willamette.

Here she met many wonderful friends and enjoyed the bus rides, and card games, group activities, and concerts. This is when she uncovered her talent for poetry and writing. Of course she volunteered where she could and ran Granny’s Attic, the second hand store, for years; and she co-chaired their Alzheimer fund raising for several years.

Alida is preceded in death by her husband Dave and her sister Rita. She is survived by her children Robert, William, & Peggy; grandchildren, Andrew, Daniel, & Carmen; great-grandchildren Emma, Jack & Mali. Also by Dave’s children David and Frances, and their children and grand-children. Her sisters Waltraud and Klara, and her cousins and nieces and nephews in Germany.

We will miss her dearly, but we know that she left an impression with many people in many ways and will always be remembered. Please make donations to your favorite charity. Better yet, volunteer your time.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.