Mildred Irene Proto

The first of four children born to Clara and Frank Conry in Chicago, Mildred was a tomboy all the way. When her family faced the 'Great Depression' she went "on the road" with her Dad (an accomplished carpenter) to find work wherever they could. Before marrying Mike Gabrione, she worked as a nanny for a wealthy family in Hyde Park where she learned from her employer how to tailor-make her own clothes (and hats) including an extensive collection of gowns that she wore to the Aragon and Trianon Ballrooms where all the big bands played. She met Mike one night dancing and together they made a great team. They were members of the famed Trianon 500 Club, which was comprised of the best ballroom dancers in the Chicagoland area. Together Mildred and Mike had three children who she tended with loving care. She was an accomplished seamstress and tailor as well as a great cook. She baked her own bread always and once a week she even baked for the neighbors and teachers at the nearby school which her kids attended and where, incidentally, she was very active in the PTA with fund-raisers and serving several terms as President.

When her kids got involved in roller-skating, she earned the money to pay for their skates and lessons by making costumes for other skaters. She was very proud that at most competitions three of the four skaters on the floor were wearing costumes she had made. Her house had an "open door" policy - all were welcome, and friends and skaters often just dropped by for a cup of her coffee - the pot was always on the stove.

When her beloved Mike passed away suddenly, she returned to work at Western Electric where she had worked when Mike was off to war. She did a fine job there and her seniority from the war years was returned to her. She retired from Western Electric at 65 with "perfect attendance." Mildred was also moonlighting for Carson Pirie Scott's bridal department. She provided often "vital" services to brides at their homes or at the church when last-minute crises were averted by her quick and skillful repairs and adjustments - her brides all loved her and she loved taking care of them at such a happy time in their lives. She had even made several family members’ wedding gowns over her years.

Mildred retired to Florida where she maintained an active lifestyle. She handmade costumes for the local Pompano Players play group, organized trips from her Leisureville community to local plays and concerts, roller skated a couple of times a week until she was 85 and swam daily until she was 95. She loved to travel and did so often; in her later years taking several trips with her beloved granddaughter, Tammy - most memorably to Europe. Always happy and smiling, she had a long and full life and she will be missed!

Mildred was preceded in death by her son Michael Gabrione, two husbands, Michael Gabrione, Sr and Anthony Proto, and her three siblings Robert Conry, Frank Conry and Margaret Purnell. Surviving Mildred is her daughter Jacqueline Gabriel, her son Patrick Gabrione, and her grandchildren, Michael Gabrione (Marian), Mark Gabrione, Matthew Gabrione, Patrick Gabrione Jr., Anton Gabrione, Claire Gabrione, and Tammy Beck (Thomas). Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, a large extended family and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life, Memorial Service, will be held at the end of October in the Chicago area.