Mildred Saewert

Our precious and perfect Mildred Saewert was born January 6, 1953 in Gaboc, Camarines Norte, Philippines. The second of fourteen children born to Felix Parilla Cortez and Emerita Abando Cortez, Mildred spent her childhood playing with and caring for her siblings, helping her parents farm their coconut plantation, and finishing school. She loved her parents and grandparents and was always ready to take care of her siblings. Millie prayed for and worried about her thirteen sisters and brothers every day, always wanting the best for them.

After completing a Radio Telegraph certificate, Millie was faced with a decision - try to find a job or continue her schooling. Offered a job, Millie left Gaboc with her cousin and moved to Olongapo City, Philippines. Just three days after moving to Olongapo, Millie met her one true love and her lifelong soulmate, Ronald Dean Saewert. A US Navy sailor, Ron had been invited by a friend of Millie’s cousin for a home cooked meal, which Millie had prepared. On that first destined meeting, Ron saw Millie and said, “I’m going to marry her!” while Millie hid in the kitchen. Ron spent the next few months courting his beloved Millie and they happily married on November 19, 1974. Millie and Ron were married for over 50 years, NEVER apart, ALWAYS in love, and FOREVER husband and wife.

After marriage, Millie and Ron lived for a short time in Olongapo before moving to Sasebo, Japan where Ron was stationed. Their beloved first child Emily was born in Sasebo before they moved to their next duty station in San Francisco, CA. It was in San Francisco that Ron and Millie’s beloved sons Jonathan and Benjamin were born. The family then moved to their next duty station in Long Beach, CA where they purchased their first house and worked lovingly to build a home, Millie side by side with Ron, making plans for the future, and raising their children.

Soon, they moved on to Calimesa to build their dream home, literally, from the ground up. Millie was a loving, compassionate, and supportive wife and mother, always giving her best to her treasured family. Her love and open heart extended to those around her, including her children’s friends, neighbors, and her husband’s coworkers.

Millie and Ron watched their children grow up, graduate school, and get married. It was Millie’s pride to gain three more children when Emily, Jon, and Ben married. Habib, Christina, and Crystal were not in-laws to Millie - they were her true and beloved children. They all called Millie “Mom” because because that is what she was to them. Millie and Ron were also overjoyed to be blessed with five incredible grandchildren, their legacy and pride: Michael, Daniel, Sean, Victoria, and Elise. Millie admired and cherished each of them and it was her ultimate happiness to be surrounded by her five grandchildren, cooking their favorite foods, hugging and kissing them, telling them that she loved them.

Millie was industrious, clever, curious, hardworking, cheerful, and strong. Anything she put her mind to, she did with alacrity and grace. She had her own sari-sari store before she married Ron and was able to make a living and send her parents money to help the family. In later years, Millie and Ron made a successful small business catering and selling food at market nights. Skilled at everything she did, Millie gardened, quilted, cooked every cuisine, sewed clothing, made curtains, pillows, prom dresses, and all of her grandchildren’s Halloween costumes. Millie loved to learn new skills and taught herself to make kimchi and olives, made her own face cream, and taught many people her favorite recipes.

A friend to all, Millie’s warmth and love were felt by everyone she came across. Language, race, and position were no barrier to Millie. Her sincerity, joy, and kindness allowed her to forge deep connections and lifelong friendships. From Philippines to Japan to stateside cities, in waiting rooms, grocery stores, and in every situation, Millie built up a family of former strangers that all consider her to be their best friend.

What more can be said about such an important and vibrant person when they are no longer here? Simply, our dear Millie Saewert was perfect - made in God’s image, she exuded the loving kindness that Christ showed to all, and she lived for her loving husband and children and grandchildren. She prayed every night for everyone she knew and even those she didn’t know. Her love is enduring and will never be forgotten. We love you Mom - we will take care of Dad - we are so happy you are in in peace in heaven.