Published in the March 7, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Mildred C. (Olsson) Hedquist, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016 at age 89.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 8, 1926, Mildred was raised in Brooklyn where she graduated from Fort Hamilton High School. She attended the Brooklyn School of Nursing where she received training as a Registered Nurse. After settling in Wakefield to raise a family of four, she began a 40 year career at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. For her last 15 years as an R.N., she served as nursing manager of labor and delivery at Melrose-Wakefield. Mildred was devoted to her family, her career as a nurse and her faith.
As a mother, she enjoyed participating in her children’s lives and activities. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Along with her family, she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada. Faith-filled, she was a longtime active member of Community Covenant Church in Peabody and an active supporter of the Salvation Army.
In her free time, she enjoyed sewing, quilting and cooking. She was well known for her skills as a baker and cake decorator. Mildred will be remembered for her love, her strength and her care for others.
Mildred was the beloved wife of the late Henry G. Hedquist with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Kenneth N. Hedquist and his wife Nancy of Saugus; Carol L. Curry of Derry, N.H.; Ruth C. Carmichael and her husband Kevin of Reading and the late Carl. L. Hedquist. Former mother-in-law of Shelly Bedrossian of Marblehead. Cherished grandmother of Melissa Kwiatek, Michelle Hedquist, Scott Stickney, Sarah Stickney, Brian Carmichael, Kelsey Carmichael and the late Shawn P. Stickney. Loving great-grandmother of Alex, Ray, Sara Louise, Tyler, Rylee, Gianna, Shawn and great-great-grandmother of Nicholas.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Mildred on Saturday, March 12 during a period of visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by her memorial service at 11 a.m. at Community Covenant Church, 33 Lake St., Peabody. All are invited for collation at the church after the service.
