Mildred Friend

Portsmouth, RI ? Mildred Millie Friend, 86, of Portsmouth, RI, died March 19 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Taylors, SC. Mrs. Friend was visiting for the winter when cancer was discovered and died at home, lovingly tended by Jerilyn and Kirk Alford, who were soon joined by Mrs. Friend?s son Bob. Born in Portsmouth, RI on May 30, 1920, Mildred Chamberlin Friend was the daughter of Mabel Alice Pike and George Maxwell Chamberlin, who was a carpenter. Mrs. Friend was one of eleven children.Mrs. Friend was an enthusiastic cook, an avid gardener, and a lover of people, especially children. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader early on and later a member of the Portsmouth Senior Citizens Center, where she volunteered her time and efforts. Mrs. Friend is survived by a sister, Eleanor Pike of Newport, RI, a son Robert A. Friend of Tiverton, RI, a daughter Jerilyn F. Alford of Taylors, SC, a grandson, Brett A. Alford of Jacksonville, FL, a great grandson, Tristan K. Alford of Taylors, SC and many nieces and nephews. She was preceeded in death by her husband of fifty-six years, Willard A. Friend, a son, Warren A. Friend and a grandson Scott K. Alford. Mrs. Friend graduated from Rogers High School in 1938. A homemaker for many years, Mrs. Friend later worked for Bailey?s Beach and there met members and celebrities such as John F. Kennedy and Robert Redford. She joked about not recognizing Mr. Redford early one morning when he knocked at the kitchen door to request a cup of coffee. Because it was before the kitchen opened, she turned him down to the great horror of the young people working under her who, of course, did recognize the movie star. Her last position was care giver to Miss Alice Brayton, a neighbor known for her topiary gardens, Green Animals. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society of Greenville, SC, 113 Mills Avenue, Greenville, SC 29605.