Mildred Wilmina Cross, age 93, a lifelong resident of Waterford, died Friday, November 7, 2008 at Brookside Homes in Erie where she had resided for the past year. Born in LeBoeuf Township on November 11, 1914, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Maude Waterhouse King. She married Alton Cross on January 26, 1935, and he preceded her in death on April 15, 1993.
Mrs. Cross was a homemaker who raised eight children. Her family was her lifelong priority, and she loved being a wife, mother and grandmother. Family gatherings and reunions were very special to her, mostly because she got to spend time with her grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her talents in cooking, canning, and baking, but mostly for her devotion to her family and friends.
In addition to her husband, Alton Cross, she is preceded in death by three sons, Alton Cross Jr., Eugene Cross, and Norbert Cross; two brothers, Harold King and Joseph King; and two sisters, Charolet Fox and Marion Petrick.
Surviving family members include five children, Marvin Cross and his wife, Janet, of Waterford, Ronald Cross and his wife, Sue, of Saegertown, Carol Cross of Erie, Arda McAndrew and her husband, Michael, of Butler, and Vincent Cross and his wife, Bonnie, of Union City; three daughters-in-law, Grace Cross of Billings, MT, Raquel Cross of Erie, and Cindy Cross of Findley Lake, NY; three sisters, Ruth Hasbrouck of Corry, and Louise Pifer and Irene Lewis, both of Cambridge Springs; a brother, Ray King of Venango; 19 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, West First and Walnut Streets, Waterford on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will take place there on Monday at 11:00am. Burial will be in Waterford Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Stancliff Hose Company of Waterford, or to the Mill Village Fire Department, or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
To Mildred’s family,
You probably don’t recognize my name, but I was married to George and Alice Wheeler’s oldest son, Kim, who died from brain cancer in 1991. Your mother was so kind to us when Kim was at the end stages of his life. She was a very special lady and I will always remember her. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Jeanette Johnson
In Memory of Mildred Cross, I am very happy to have been a friend of you and your familiy. I remember the times we had visiting. You always had your famous apple pies. You will never be replaced. You are a very special Mother, Grandmother and Friend. Love, Jessie Kern and Family