Mildred Bylund

Mildred Heil Bylund, 91, died on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Fairfax Hospital of complications from an accident in her home earlier that day. Mildred was preceded in death by her loving husband, Howard E. Bylund. Also preceding her in death are three brothers, one sister, one grandson and one great-grandson. Survivors include 4 children, Colleen (Paul) Sondrup of Burke, Howard E. (Margaret) Bylund of Great Falls, Mary (George) Paris of Gainesville, and Barry Bylund of St. Petersburg, Florida. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Alyson (Patrick) Anderson and Matthew (Janelle) Sondrup; William (Tatsiana), Joseph, Michael, and Thomas Bylund; Eric Paris and Amanda (Dennis) O’Neill; Jessica and Harrison Bylund; and 5 great-grandchildren, Casper and Astrid Anderson, Ainsley and Tate Sondrup, and Paul Bylund; and her constant canine companion, Misty, will now be residing with family.

Mildred was born in Whitestone, New York on May 30, 1924 to William Heil and Julia Goeller Heil. She spent her youth in Whitestone where she graduated from high school. During WW II she worked in a NY factory in support of the war efforts. She met the love of her life, Howard Bylund, at Times Square in NYC and was married on March 17, 1945. His Navy assignments led them to many duty stations around the world before settling in Northern Virginia in 1963. She volunteered at the Fort Belvoir Thrift Shop for over thirty years and enjoyed traveling with Howard after his retirement.

Mildred was a dedicated, loving wife and mother, devoting all of her time to her family. She had a tender heart and loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and still had love left for all her dogs. Mildred loved memorizing poems and reciting them. She cared deeply about others and was loved by all. She will be missed so very much.

Graveside funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, February 5, 2015 at 11:00 am where she will be laid to rest with her husband. Donations may be made in her name to Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter using their website, www.ffcas.org