PAXTON/GRAFTON: The world lost a beautiful soul and the heavens gained one. Hazel Millicent (Farhart) “Milly” Pierce was born July 9, 1922 and she passed away in Millbury, Massachusetts surrounded by her family and listening to her big band music on August 11, 2019. She was the daughter of John and Clara (Hedinger) Farhart and the sister of George and Richard Farhart who predeceased her.
Born in Albany, NY she lived most of her life in Gloversville, NY. She moved to West Springfield, Mass in 1957 and then her later years in South Yarmouth and end of her life in Millbury, Ma.
She graduated from Gloversville High School in 1939. Her beloved husband, Roy E Pierce, died in 1971, which was an unexpected shock for Milly and her family. Their life together was one most dream of—- a successful family business, much laughter, and a deep, abiding love for each other, family and friends.
She also was predeceased by her two brothers George and Richard Farhart, both of New York. She is survived by two daughters, Diane Lynn Drumm, of Paxton Ma and her husband, Glenn, and Cindy Lee Bubrouski of St. Albans, Vermont and her partner George Richard. She also leaves her three grandchildren, Michelle Ann Drumm, Christopher Roy Drumm, and Ian Roy Bubrouski. Milly was known as “Gaga” by her grandchildren and was pretty miffed (in jest ) when a particular pop star stole her moniker.
Milly was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren, Olivia Millicent Hatch, Abigail Hatch, Madison Drumm, Miranda Drumm and Judzia Bubrouski.

Milly was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post in Gloversville NY and the Golden Age Club of South Yarmouth, Ma. Milly read through every autobiography in the South Yarmouth Library and had to venture to neighboring towns to obtain fresh material.

Milly was the kind of person the rest of us aspire to be. She was always calm, full of grace and class, compassionate and so loving, making a true connection with those who were lucky enough to know her. No one left her presence without feeling special. For example, if it was Easter and someone didn’t like coconut there would be a secondary bunny cake made with “no fur” just for them Milly wanted everyone of us to feel included and thought of.

Milly lived by example with her thoughtful actions and ever present kind heart. She was known to give the children and young adults of the family “a little walking around money,” even when her means were tight as a widow. It made us feel on top of the world. Everyone who met Milly was taken with her sweet and loving disposition and her joyful laughter which made everyone around her want to join in.

Millie’s house was thoroughly and tastefully decorated for every holiday. Even her home was as cheerful and welcoming as she was. She always had our favorite cookies in her teddy bear cookie jar, and some orange circus peanuts around for herself. She was the one who liked those things!

Milly was always impeccably dressed with perfect hair and she wasn’t fully put together without her earrings.

Milly spent her later years in South Yarmouth, Mass with her partner Andrew J. Dolan, who predeceased her. They loved to get a coffee and newspaper and sit in their car, watching the ocean. This was their bliss.

Even in her later stages of Alzheimer’s, when it would have been perfectly acceptable for her to be rude or selfish, Milly would tell us to go spend our time doing something fun and “don’t waste life” sitting with her. Time with Milly was never wasted. She still happily sang the family songs and told the family jokes. She would also be concerned as to whether or not we had eaten and would offer us her own dinner. Even during her last day of being verbal she clearly said “Thank you, sweetie” to an aide who was painting her nails. That was Milly.

Alzheimer’s Disease may have successfully taken Milly’s memories but it failed to take her ever loving spirit and infectious laughter. Milly’s catchphrase has been “what a life.” Our lives are so much better because of Millicent Pierce. We hope to carry on her legacy of kindness, humor and compassion so that she lives on. Thank you, Mom/Milly/Gaga Pierce for all the love. “What a life.” It truly was.

According to her wishes, there will be no calling hours or church service. There will be a graveside service at the Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield on Friday, August 16th at 11 am. All who knew her or her family are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.