Mildred "Millie" Rae's Obituary
Mildred “Millie” Rae (nee Dziak), 91, passed away January 18, 2026. Beloved wife of 51 years to the late Thomas Rae. Loving mother of Denise Kucinich (Gary), Karen Vraja (fiancé, Dean), Arleen Miciunas (Darius), and Cheryl Vanderwyst (Dave). Daughter of the late George and Susan Dziak and sister of the late George and Richard Dziak. Dear Grandma of Gary Kucinich Jr (Eszter), Matthew Kucinich (Brittany), Ryan Kucinich and Michael Kucinich, Amanda Vraja (fiancé, Dustin), Samantha Stitzel (Matthew) and Thomas Vraja, Lukas Miciunas, Alyssa Scarpelli (Mark) and the late Alec Miciunas, Lindsey Karn (Joshua), David Vanderwyst (Kelley) and Nicole Vanderwyst (Vance). Cherished Grammy of Ada, Cecilia, Hayes, Mila, Miklos, Josie, Jax, Mac, Tessa, Boone, Silas, Ava, Skylar, and Cora.
A friend to all, Millie brought joy and laughter with her everywhere she went. Born and raised in Cleveland, she met the love of her life and true teammate, Tom, in her early twenties and quickly grew her family by four beautiful girls. Before she knew it, her family expanded tenfold and became her greatest passion in life. Never missing an important life event or birthday, she filled her life with special moments with her children, thirteen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. She knew every birthday by heart, always completed by at least a phone call and a birthday card, and she attended more sporting events and dance recitals than most people could ever imagine. As her family began running races together, you could hear her cheering loudly at every finish line. She loved spending time with her friends, never wanting to miss the chance to share a laugh with those she loved. In true selfless Millie fashion, her pantry was always 90% full of food and treats for potential visitors, with only a small section left for her everyday fare. If you were really lucky, you might have received a phone call that she was waiting in your driveway with a trunk full of food or a gift. Her radiant smile lit up every room she entered, and her sharp wit was always followed by echoes of laughter. To know her is to know what unconditional love feels like. She was the quiet, steady kind of wonderful - caring without keeping score, kind without condition, selfless without ever making a show of it. The world felt softer and safer when she was in it. Her memory will live on in those who knew her, and she will be deeply missed forever.
ALL SERVICES THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026. A visitation will be held THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026 from 10:30AM until the time of Mass at 11:30AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Strongsville. Interment will immediately follow Mass at Strongsville Cemetery.
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