Mildred Main (Walberg)

The last of her generation, Mildred Main (Walberg) passed away peacefully just short of her 107th birthday on May 20. She died as she lived, with grace and dignity and surrounded by the music she loved and loved ones at her side.

Milla (Mildred) was born om June 2, 1914 to Otto and Emma (Lundstrom) Walberg who had immigrated from Sweden to Canada in 1903 and founded Walberg’s grocery on Brock Street. This became the home and centre of life for Mildred, June, Alf, Ruth, Lloyd, Daisy and Viola. The family store which offered phone orders and free delivery operated until 1975. The Walberg’s were well known for ensuring that no one went hungry in hard times, and for their generosity and hospitality. The coffee was always on for family and friends who dropped by.

Milla lived life to the fullest. Curious, intelligent, musical and energetic, she brought her generosity and passion for life to everything she did and to everyone she met. Milla had an accomplished career for a woman of her time and for any woman. She began teaching typing and shorthand at Business College at the age of 18 then joined the “noteworthy” firm of John Dyke and Beeman where she trained and worked as a legal secretary for 11 years.

When the War began, she like many women in Fort William, worked at Canadian Car and Foundry. She was not one of the famous ‘Rosie Riveters’ …instead Milla could be found in the board room, as the executive secretary to James Carmichael, the Chief Engineer and supervising the secretarial pool for the managers of the plant.

In 1949 Milla moved to Ottawa, once again finding herself at the centre of the action. She worked as the secretary to Mr. Cecil Morrison, the president of the Morrison-Lamothe Bakery also known as “The Happy Baker”. Her time in Ottawa was cut short when her father passed away in 1953. She returned to Fort William to care for her mother. For the next four years, Mildred worked as a legal secretary and office manager for the Dave Cheadle Law office.

In 1959 she became the first secretary treasurer of Grandview Lodge Home for the Aged where she was in charge of the office start up, bookkeeping, finances, payroll and organizing of the Board meetings.

Superior Airway was Milla’s next challenge where she was the personal secretary for Orville J. Weiben until 1962 when she began working for the City of Fort William.

Her city career spanned 22 years and included working in the planning department and for the city solicitor. After the amalgamation of Fort William and Port Arthur, Milla was appointed secretary to Mayor Walter Assef where she remained until 1985 when she retired.

Retirement did not stop Mildred, however, who enrolled in Lakehead University. Her prowess in shorthand allowed her to record the lectures verbatim and to go home and type up the transcripts for her studies. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1997 at the age of 84.

Milla’s life centred on her family, her music and her faith. She received her ARCT in Toronto in 1970, taught music and was the organist for years for Zion Lutheran Church. She won many awards for her prowess on the piano. Milla could play anything and well into her 90’s was still energetically tackling classical, religious and Swedish music with vigor and passion.

Wild Goose was the summer destination for the family and relatives who would gather from distant corners of Canada and the USA to spend time together by the lake.

Milla married late in life to the late Charlie Main and spent the years until he dies in 1994 on a lovely rural property on Mapleward Road surrounded by birds and nature.

At the age of 93, Milla had to give up driving and looking after the “old people”, and she moved into assisted living. Her time at Chartwell was a happy time, where she played piano for birthdays and enjoyed socializing with everyone. As always her positive and upbeat spirit charmed both residents and staff. She never failed to take her walk outside everyday, no matter what the weather and to play the piano for any occasion.

For the past 10 years, Milla has been a resident of Hogarth Riverview Manor. She has been lovingly cared for by many hardworking staff and dedicated caregivers including: Valerie, Patty, Elvira and others. The family is grateful for all the people who have been part of her care through the years. All the extra touches including the scarves, hair clips, treats and playing of music are deeply appreciated. Although her sight, hearing and cognition declined in her final years, her spirit remained strong until the very end.

Milla was predeceased by all her siblings over the years but has many nieces, nephews and relatives living all over Canada, the USA and in Sweden. Her spirit lives on in all of us. Safe journeys and peace Milla. We wish you a happy reunion with your Papa, Mama, your brothers, sisters, friends and the Lord. Milla has been buried at Mountainview Cemetery.

Donations can be made on Mildred’s behalf to Hogarth Riverview Manor, RFDA (Regional Food Distribution Agency) or Shelter House.