Mildred Houlihan

AUBURN - Mildred “Millie” Houlihan, 97, beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

Millie grew up in her beloved hometown of Clinton, Massachusetts, on Burdett Hill overlooking Coachlace Pond. She later made Auburn her home for 73 years, having found the house she would cherish even before she married.

Millie shared more than 41 years of marriage with Joseph P. Houlihan before his passing in 1995. Together, they created a loving family life filled with treasured memories.

Millie is survived by her five children: Maura German and her husband, Keith, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Regina Pilatti and her husband, Erich, of South Windsor, Connecticut; Patti Loomis and her husband, Randy, of The Villages, Florida; Robert Houlihan and his wife, Margaret, of Woodstock, Connecticut; and Brenda Houlihan of Auburn, Massachusetts. She was also a proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A lifelong learner, Millie continually welcomed new challenges and opportunities. In her fifties, she earned her real estate license and became a notary. She belonged to the Music Guild of Worcester, the Auburn Historical Society, and Worcester Polytech Old Timers. She also cherished gathering with friends in Shrewsbury for a Tuesday Rosary Group.

After raising her family, Millie put her love of jewelry to work at Service Merchandise. She delighted in finding beautiful pieces—often more than in the paycheck itself—and loved anything that sparkled, from jewelry to clothing. She later served as office manager at Elmwood Counseling Services, where her dedication, warmth, and compassion made her an invaluable part of the organization.

Millie embraced life with enthusiasm and an adventurous spirit. Her travels included a memorable European cruise aboard the QEII with her sister, journeys across the United States, and trips to Hawaii. She also joined her daughter Brenda on numerous business trips and especially enjoyed visiting New Orleans and celebrating Mardi Gras with her daughter Maura.

Millie’s love of beauty was reflected in the garden she carefully tended, and trips to Walmart often ended with one more plant for the yard. She shared her generous spirit at celebrations with family and friends. A true fashion icon, Millie loved to laugh and enjoy a glass of wine.

Millie considered her family her greatest accomplishment. She was their constant cheerleader, celebrating each child’s accomplishments and offering the steady encouragement that helped shape generations.

Millie’s life was a beautiful testament to the importance of family, the value of lifelong learning, and the simple joy of living life fully. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Calling hours will be Monday, September 28, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn, MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment at Hillside Cemetery in Auburn will immediately follow.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family invites you to plant perennials in Millie’s memory—a living tribute to her habit of planting for the future and eagerly awaiting each new bloom.

Assisting with arrangements is Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care in Worcester. To leave a message or share a condolence please visit www.kellycremation.com