Mildred (Millie) Steinmetz died peacefully in her home on December 4, 2021 at the age of 102. Millie was predeceased by her husband, Carl, his daughter, Dorothy Steinmetz, Millie’s parents, Harold and Mildred (Hadrva) Thornstrom, and her five siblings: Thelma Plender, Harriet Trobaugh, Ginny Mugford, Joanie Wilhelm, and Kenny Thornstrom.
Millie graduated from Dumont High School, and joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, where she trained as a dental hygienist. In the 1950’s she began her real estate career. In 1958, Millie married Carl Steinmetz, then Mayor of Haworth, NJ, and they opened the Steinmetz Real Estate Agency in Haworth. After moving from Haworth to Brookside Village in Harrington Park, Carl and Millie held various offices, including, for Millie, President, in that condo association. Their marriage blessed Millie with an extended family, in which she played a most treasured maternal role.
Lasting memories were created by annual Steinmetz family reunions, at Thanksgiving, and on Millie’s milestone birthdays, which brought together family members from all parts of the United States and beyond.
Millie was a model of life-long learning. Her indomitable spirit, innate curiosity, childlike wonder, and positive outlook emanated from life experiences and from practicing her Christian Science faith. She touched the lives of many, in ways that warmed their spirits and contributed to their growth.
Left to cherish Millie’s memory, from her marriage to Carl, are his children, Richard (Janet) of Houston, Texas, Robert (Donna) of Trenton, NJ, an “adopted” son, Eric Faust of San Bruno, CA, cousin, Hertha Steinmetz Forrai of Groton, Vermont, five grandchildren, Charles Steinmetz (Shauna) of Port Angeles, Washington, Carolyn Sclar (Brad)of Boulder, Colorado, Christopher Steinmetz of New Orleans, Louisiana, Robert Steinmetz, Jr. of Bangkok, Thailand, and Kristin Steinmetz (Mathew Schmalz) of Paxton, MA, five great grandchildren, Tyler Steinmetz (Denee) of Sequim, Washington, Conrad Sclar of Midland, Texas, Adrianna Sclar of Joplin, Missouri, Anna and Katie Schmalz of Paxton, MA, and one great- great grandchild due to arrive in April, 2022. Among the many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends who mourn the loss of Millie are three special nephews, Stephen Dennis, Billy and Glen Trobaugh, and her devoted friend, Pat Hagel.
In 2013, Millie and Kenneth Fisher, founder of Brookside Village where they lived, formed a “Caring Partnership” until his death in 2014. This committed relationship, which began – improbably – when they both were in their 90s, brought joy to each of them and added Ken’s extended family to Millie’s expansive circle of love.
Left to cherish Millie’s memory from Ken’s family are his three sons, Robert and Frederick of Harrington Park, NJ and Kenneth Jr. of Falls Church, VA and their spouses, partners and children. Millie’s bright spirit lit up their lives, much as it had their father’s.
Millie was profoundly grateful for the empathic caregivers that ComForCare of Bergenfield provided for her, and for the faithful services of Barbara Mitchell. She was especially thankful to Robert Fisher and Kathleen Keady who lovingly met her needs, on a daily basis, for the last years of her life.
All services were private.