Obituary of Mildred Anna Blair

Mildred "Millie" Anna (Zuppe) Blair of Chester, CT passed away at age 91 on September 1, 2016 due to complications from longtime heart disease. She was born on May 27, 1925 in Branford, CT, to the late Charles and Lillian (Johnson) Zuppe. She attended Elementary School in Ivoryton and graduated from Pratt High School in Essex in 1943. Millie worked at various factories including the old Pratt Read and Verplex. She married Robert J. Blair on November 15, 1946 and they made their home in Chester. She was a member of the United Church of Chester where she served on various committees, and a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Millie's happiest years were as a typical 1950s stay-at-home mother, helping with school and scout activities. Later she was secretary for the United Church of Chester and registrar at Camp Hazen YMCA. She was known as the "cool mom" because of her fondness for bellbottoms, dancing and rock music. In addition to her husband she is survived by a son, Robert Blair (Rosemary), a daughter, Laurie Blair, a grandson Robert Blair (Kris Pollock), and a great-grandson Robert "Burt" Blair, all of Chester; a grandson Russell Blair of West Hartford; two brothers, John Zuppe of Ivoryton and Robert Zuppe (Carol) of Moodus; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Charles Zuppe and a sister, Agnes Stevenson. She enjoyed travel, near-beer, Lotto tickets, good perfume, and spending time with her family. She was a great cook and a nurturing mother, teaching us to stand up for ourselves, laugh whenever we got the chance, and fiercely protect those we love. The family would like to thank the staff at Chesterfields Apple Rehab for their kindness during the last year, and Middlesex Hospice during these last weeks. A private burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Chester, with a reception to be held at a later date. To honor Millie, please tell an irreverent joke, hug and encourage a child, or do something you never thought you had the strength for, but amazingly enough, you did. To share a memory of Millie or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.