Mildred G. McGavin (née Halpin) 84 of Demarest New Jersey passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and loved ones on July 7, 2026. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond E. McGavin ( 2001). She is survived by her devoted children: Laura Cameron, Raymond McGavin, Judith McGavin, and her husband, Joseph Mandracchia, grandson, Dennis Cameron and fiancé Katie DeLorenzo. She is also survived by the many dear friends who brought her so much joy throughout her life.
Known as Millie to all of her friends and family, she worked as a teacher’s aide in Saint Joseph’s grammar school in Demarest, NJ. When Saint Joseph’s closed, she continued to work as a teacher’s aide in Holy Family school in Norwood, NJ until it closed. Most recently, Millie worked at Village Early Childhood Center (VECC) in Harrington Park, New Jersey. Miss Millie as she was known to her students, found happiness in her work where her kindness, patience, and love touched the lives of so many children. She had a special way of making children feel cared for and valued. Her daughter, Judith, was inspired to become a special education teacher by following the example her mother set through love and dedication to children.
Her greatest pride and joy was her grandson, Dennis. From the moment he was born, the bond they shared was unlike any other. She spent countless hours holding him, singing to him as a baby, filling his world with love and comfort. Those songs became a part of their special connection, before long, he gave her the name that was hers alone-Dara. Hearing him, call her Dara lit up her face every single time. Being his grandmother was one of her greatest blessings.
Millie was truly a ray of sunshine, a woman whose love knew no limits, and whose kindness touched every life she encountered. She had a heart big enough for everyone, greeting each person with a smile and her signature, affectionate “Dolly.” It didn’t matter if you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone she had just met; she had a way of making you feel loved, welcomed, and important.
Millie cherished the time she spent each December in Stockbridge, Massachusetts with her daughter Judi, son-in-law Joe, son Ray, grandson, Dennis, and her grand pups. The annual tradition of attending Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas brought her happiness and created many special memories with her family, which she treasured.
She found joy in life‘s simple pleasures. She loved playing games on her iPad, staying connected through texting and brighten the conversation with the emojis that reflected her fun-loving spirit. She enjoyed working on puzzles, Wonderwords, getting lost in a good book, and soaking up the sunshine by the pool during the summer. Some of her greatest joy came from spending time with her precious grand pups, Stitch and Tommy. She adored their mischievous antics and would always laugh and say “The wilder they are the better. “ Their playful spirits brought her endless delight.
Faith was a guiding presence throughout Millie’s life. A devoted parishioner to Saint Joseph’s Church in Demarest, NJ, she taught CCD and was a member of the Cornerstone group. She lived her Catholic faith each day with compassion, kindness, and humility. She loved sharing her faith with those around her, especially offering guidance, wisdom, and encouragement to her daughter, Laura.
Her laughter, warmth, and unwavering compassion were gifts she shared freely, leaving the world brighter simply because she was in it.
In lieu of flowers, Miss Millie’s family kindly requests donations be made in her honor to:
Village Early Childhood Center (VECC), Attn: Christina Guirland aka Boss Lady, 155 Parkway, Harrington Park, NJ 07640