Vivian Blakeman Millard

Naturalist, Oral Historian, and Genealogist

Vivian (Viv) Blakeman Millard, 87, of Stepney, died August 7. The daughter of David Thornton and Vera Hubbell Blakeman, she was born in Wichita, Kan., living there briefly before returning to Connecticut where she traced her family ancestry to 1640 in Stratford.

Her lifelong avocations as a self-taught naturalist, antique collector, oral historian of Stepney and Monroe and genealogy hobbyist were enriched by eight decades living in Stepney. Mrs Millard attended the one-room Birdsey’s Plain elementary school where her mother was a teacher. She graduated from Central High School in Bridgeport and recently enjoyed her 70th reunion with old friends. She attended business school and became a bookkeeper, working for numerous local businesses.

In 1939, she was married to Wesley Leon Millard. Her husband of 47 years was the owner of Millard Welding Service in Stepney (Monroe) until his death in 1985. Weekend skiing trips led Mr and Mrs Millard to purchase property in Granville, Vt., where they restored an 1860 farmhouse.

Over the years she enjoyed photography, oil painting, gardening and basketweaving, but her passion was collecting and selling antiques. She enjoyed opening the doors of her red barn in Vermont to sell antiques and chat with visitors during the autumn season.

Mrs Millard was a lifelong member of the Stepney Methodist Church, serving as organist and choir member for 25 years. She was a founding member of the Monroe Historical Society.

She is survived by two sons, Ronald of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Douglas of Bremerton, Wash.; her sister Roberta Kaempfer of Shelton; three grandsons, Jacob, Lucas, and Douglas; step-granddaughter Laura Lee; two great-grandchildren, Sean and Alexandra; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her family, relatives, and friends will miss her dearly.

Donations in memory of Vivian B. Millard may be made to the Monroe Historical Society, PO Box 212, Monroe CT 06468 or to the United Methodist Church of Monroe, 515 Cutlers Farm Road, MonroeCT 06468, or to the Stepney Volunteer Fire Department, 88 Main Street, Monroe CT 06468.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 10, at 11 am, at the United Methodist Church of Monroe, 515 Cutlers Farm Road.

The Newtown Bee        August 26, 2005