Obituary of Milica Sucich

Milica "Mildred" Sucich Retired Ship Chandler Milica "Mildred" Sucich entered into rest at her home surrounded by those she loved on March 26, 2008. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1915, the daughter to the late Anka (Anne) and Roy Rade. Her only brother, Petar (Peter) and sister, Stana (Stella) predeceased her. Both siblings each had three children. Mildred married Nickolaus (Nick) Sucich in 1942. He died in 1974. Between them they had four children. She was also predeceased by her two step sons Anthony Sucich and Mladen "Mel" Sucich. Surviving children include a step son, Miko Sucich of Croatia. They had one biological daughter together, Diana C. "DD" Sucich, Ph.D. who currently resides at the family estate. Diana loved and admired her gentle, mother and closest friend. It was an honor to care for her mother. Mildred was thoughtful, special, unique and kind. DD also considered her as the best traditional mother in the world. Mildred was very proud and admired all her daughter had accomplished. She lived for her only child and cherished her. They enjoyed a great deal of time together. Mildred is also survived by her treasured granddaughter Lori Sucich Jiava (who helped care for her grandmother) and her husband Chris of Wappinger Falls. Also surviving are Mildred's great grandchildren, AnaCristina & Christopher Matteo Jiava. In addition she also has two grandsons, Joseph and Nicolas Sucich. Among other survivors are many nieces and nephews and their families. Mildred enjoyed her long life to the fullest. Her life was dedicated to her family and those she loved. In 1948 she relocated from NYC and spent her days on the family "gentleman's working farm". They owned and operated "Stony Brook Farm" which was also a country resort. Her time was spent riding horses and going on long rides with her family often singing in the car. She frequently went to her NYC apartment in the winters and summers she vacationed in Newport, Rhode Island and internationally. Together they enjoyed the company of their lifelong friends. Mildred and Nick had more than a loving marriage. They partnered and worked hard together enjoying many successful endeavors. These included owning and operating a diner on the West Side piers in New York City (Nick's Diner at 12th Ave. & 44th St.) and the family Ship Chandler business. They also owned an apartment house on 190 West 91st St. on Riverside Drive in NYC. Mildred had a true love for Opera and all music. She enjoyed Broadway shows. Mildred remained contemporary in her views When at home she would do some needlepoint and other such creations; read; and she would play bridge with her girlfriends all after doing chores around the house. She also would spend time playing with her grandchildren or just gazing out her window at her garden. She had a passion for flowers and nature. Mildred loved her life but most of all she was devoted to her family and friends, especially her dearest friend and neighbor, Teddy Nelke who predeceased her. In 1954 Mildred moved with her family to Stony Brook Estate which she helped design and was given to her by her husband as a birthday present. Mildred loved her new home where she lived the rest of her life. She thought the Hudson Valley was beautiful and enjoyed her life here. Mildred also helped Nick with his Central Valley Concrete business and in developing Sucich Place in Wappingers Falls. Mildred was a member of Our Lady of Hope Church and then St. Denis's Church. This wonderful woman will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. "She was good and golden to the core." said Father Richard McAlear (OMI) a dear family friend and past director of Our Lady of Hope in Newburgh, New York. Dr. Sucich would like to extend her appreciation to all her medical team and to those who assisted in Mildred's care and comfort such as David, Barbara, Angela and Laura from Hospice as well as Dr. Linhardt and Dr. Gapay. I especially want to thank the Tasnady, Higgins and Barnhart Families, Shannon Brescia, Jeanette Lown, Pat Eidle, and William BreMiller. In addition I am grateful to all our many friends that helped us through this difficult time. Her caretakers have been outstanding. Family will receive friends at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home on Saturday March 29, 2008 and Sunday March 30, 2008 from 3-7 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Denis Church, Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction on Monday, March 31, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. Entombment will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery Mausoleum. The family would appreciate any donations be made for a memorial fund. Please send to Millbrook Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2 Front St. Millbrook, New York. This fund will be used for patients unable to pay for needed treatment. To send the family a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.