Mildred “Millie” Bryan, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Muskoka Shore Care Community in Gravenhurst, ON, at the age of 79.
Millie was born on February 23, 1946, in the Eastern Townships near Sherbrooke, Quebec. She came into this world as part of a pair—she was a twin, born alongside her sister Muriel. Together, the twins weighed only four pounds. Their mother, also named Muriel, sadly passed away at childbirth, leaving behind Millie, her twin sister, and their older brother David, who was just two years older.
Because of their tiny size and uncertain beginnings, Millie and Muriel were not even given middle names, as it was feared they would not survive. But survive they did—and Millie lived a remarkable 79 years.
Millie was born with cerebral palsy. Her father, Fred, crafted braces to help her walk, but Millie was determined in her own way—she preferred to get around using poles, and she did so with grit and courage.
After their mother’s passing, the children went to live with their grandparents, Lucy and Ray Bryan, on a farm near Barkway. Life there was simple, and for a long time without electricity. Millie was not sent to school and was never taught to read, but she had her own way of being part of the family. She often sat in the rocking chair in the kitchen, a cat curled on her lap and a dog resting by her side. Animals were her joy and comfort.
Her father was her hero, her closest companion. Millie loved to sing country songs with him, filling their home with music. She adored her twin sister Muriel, and losing her in 2004 was one of the hardest moments of Millie’s life.
From visiting at the farm to coming to our home for family dinners to meeting Aunt Millie in Barrie for Dr's appointments, lunch and shopping Muriel and Deb enjoyed many hours of being entertained by Millie. She really enjoyed the Chicken Pot Pie and Tomato juice at Swiss Chalet. She was always so brave when it came to her Dr's appointments and the many other challenges she faced. After Muriel passed away Joanne stepped in and when she could Laura would join in on the Lady outings to the dentist... We are all grateful for the time we had with her, she touched us all.
Family life was not always easy. When her grandparents passed away, her Aunt Elsie and Uncle Guy stepped in to help their father care for the three children. But when Elsie suffered a stroke, Millie was placed in a home. Over the years, she lived in different places of care until she found her lasting home at Muskoka Shores.
Thirteen years ago, Jo-Ann was blessed to meet Millie when she came to Muskoka Shores. From the very beginning, she brought joy, laughter, and light into her life.
Millie embraced her new community with a full and grateful heart. She joined in every activity—bingo, church, exercise and painting classes, music hours. She had a community worker who loved to take her out into town, and she was truly spoiled with kindness. Millie never missed a chance to enjoy life.
If you asked her how she was, she always answered with one word: “FANTASTIC.” And she meant it. She never complained—not once. She was fun to be with, and her joy was contagious.
Millie loved to sing, especially country music and hymns. She sang loudly and proudly, filling the room with her voice. When there was music, she was dancing in her chair—bouncing, swinging her arms, full of energy and delight. The staff and residents loved her for the brightness she brought into their home.
She had her quirks, too—her love of bling and bright, sparkly colors. Jewelry, purses, colorful clothes. Never black, always something cheerful. She adored shopping and took her birthdays very seriously. She would think long and hard, sometimes for weeks, before she told you what she wanted. And when we celebrated, she glowed with happiness.
She loved chocolates—especially chocolate milk. And she loved to laugh when Cliff teased her. More than once, she told him that he was her favorite brother-in-law—though he was, of course, her only one.
Millie was also thoughtful and kind-hearted. She didn’t like to bother the staff with her health concerns. She had a sharp memory and a love of going for walks. She delighted in the simple pleasures of life and shared that delight freely with others.
Millie brought joy wherever she went. She faced hardship, but she met life with courage, laughter, and love. And while today we grieve, we also give thanks—for her life, her spirit, and the sunshine she gave to us all.
We will always love her and carry her in our hearts.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 20, at Barkway Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to Muskoka SPCA greatly appreciated.
https://ontariospca.ca/muskoka/