Mildred E. Craven

Mildred E. “Millie” (Blackmore) Craven, 95, a resident of East Longmeadow and formerly of Connecticut, passed away early Monday evening, March 19, 2018, at the Jewish Nursing Home of Longmeadow. She was born and educated in Pomfret, CT, a daughter of the late Arthur (Blackmore) and Mildred (Carroll) Blackmore. Mildred worked as a tax collector in East Longmeadow and was employed for several years as a school bus driver for the former Longueil Bus Company. She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church of Hampden, volunteered for the Annual Catholic Charities Appeal and was a member of the Catholic Women's Club and East Longmeadow Garden Club. Mildred received numerous awards for her baked goods and floral arrangements which she entered into local fairs and loved anything to do with animals, nature and poetry. She was the beloved wife of Edward Craven who died in July of 1993 and was predeceased by her daughter Carroll Craven in 2017. Mildred leaves three loving daughters; Eileen Galano and her husband (Joseph) of Wilbraham, Anne Millett and her husband (Donald) of East Longmeadow and Susan Contreras and her husband (Desi) of Chula Vista, CA.  Mildred cherished her seven grandchildren; Edward, Meagan, Caitlin, Daniel, Bridget, D.J., and Sterling; six great-grandchildren, Kolin, Kris, Gianna, Clare, Viviani and Kaylee; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Arthur and George Blackmore. Her funeral will be held on Monday, March 26 at 9:30 AM from the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen St., Springfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 27 Somers Road, in Hampden. Rites of Committal will conclude in Baptist Village Cemetery in East Longmeadow. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, March 25 from 2-5 PM. Donations in Mildred's name may be directed to St. Mary’s Church, 27 Somers Rd., Hampden, MA 01036.