Mildred F Samuel

Mildred (“Millie”) Fare Samuel, age 94, died peacefully at The Fairfax Assisted Living Facility (Ft. Belvoir) on December 23, 2013, and is now in the arms of the Lord. She is rejoicing in the loving company of family and friends who passed before her. Millie lived a full, productive, and enriching life.

Millie is survived by many loving family members: Son Robert A. Samuel (wife B.J.) of Virginia Beach, VA, and daughter Rebecca S. Van Dine (husband Peter) of Doylestown, PA; two nephews: Jim Fare (wife Phyllis) of Clarksville, MD, and Ed Fare (wife Kay) of Wilmington, NC; two nieces: Nancy Fare of Raleigh, NC, and Kay Fare of North Carolina; four grandchildren: Ami Pollard of Ardmore, PA, Justin Samuel of Ashburn, VA, Taylor Samuel of Charleston, SC, and Jonathan Van Dine of Philadelphia, PA; four great-grandchildren: Gracyn Samuel, Addison Pollard, Vivien Pollard, and Hadley Samuel.

Millie was born in Walkertown, NC, on April 26, 1919. She was the daughter of Lilly and John Fare. Her father was a gentleman farmer. Millie had two older brothers, Carl & Milton, who doted on their little sister throughout her life. She graduated from Walkertown High School in 1937. Millie’s confidence and independent spirit gave her the courage to move away from home at age 18. She moved to Winston-Salem, NC, and attended Draughan Business School, where she earned a secretarial certificate.

Between 1938 and 1947, Millie worked as an executive secretary and bookkeeper at an engineering firm, as well as an insurance agency, in Winston-Salem. She later took the Civil Service exam and worked at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.

Millie met her husband, Lt. Col. (USA) Allen Templeton Samuel in July 1946, at a wedding in Winston Salem, NC. They quickly fell in love and were married on May 24, 1947, at Ft. Myer (VA) Chapel. Mildred and Allen gave birth to twins, Robert & Rebecca, on October 15, 1949. When the babies were just eight months old, Allen was sent to Korea. Millie was an upbeat and busy single mom until January 1952, when she flew with two toddlers across the country to Seattle and then boarded an Army ship for a 7-day journey to Japan!

Between 1957 and 1960, Allen & Millie lived in Germany and the family traveled extensively throughout Europe, creating a lifetime of memories. Millie was the consummate Army wife, hosting elegant dinner parties, luncheons and teas. She was an active participant in many Officers’ Wives groups. Millie never complained during those years about the continuous packing, moving and adjusting to new cultures, with two kids in tow! She was an organized homemaker, gourmet cook, a charming hostess and an impeccable dresser. Millie had a keen interest in politics and always kept abreast of current events and the happenings on Capitol Hill.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s, Millie maintained a busy life as a wife and mother in Alexandria, VA, and was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She was also a Red Cross volunteer at DeWitt Army Hospital (Ft. Belvoir). After the twins left home in 1970, Mildred got a job working as a secretary in the Accounting Department at the American Red Cross in Alexandria, a position she loved.

After retiring in 1978, Millie and Allen continued to travel and enjoyed trips to England, Germany and Greece. Both delighted in visiting their children and grandchildren. In addition to continuing her volunteer work at DeWitt Army Hospital, Mildred also delivered meals to shut-ins through “Meals on Wheels,” and remained active at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

After Allen’s death in 1994, Millie moved to The Fairfax (Ft. Belvoir) and enjoyed many years of friendships, activities and visits with extended family.

Millie’s family is grateful to the awesome and dedicated staff of The Fairfax Assisted Living facility; hospice staff of Capital Caring; and Millie’s two private aides, Marian and Mariatu. All of these people provided invaluable care, support and love to Millie during her last year of life.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria, VA 22308. Friends will be received between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. Service at 11:30. There will be a lunch reception at the church following the service.

Contributions in her honor can be made to the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) or to the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria, VA 22308 (www.aldersgate.net).

Arrangements are being made by Demaine Funeral Home of Alexandria (www.dignitymemorial.com.)