Mary Wright

Seaside

Sept. 27, 1920 — Dec. 7, 2016

Millie passed away peacefully at the age of 96 with her family and loving caregivers at the Necanicum Village (Avamere at Seaside) memory care unit, where she had resided for the past 2 1/2 years.

Millie was the youngest of five born in St. Johns, New Brunswick, Canada, to Lewis Carvell and Hattie Carvell (Randalls). Shortly after her birth the family immigrated to Portland, Maine, and later settled in Pittsfleld, Maine, where she attended Pittsfield elementary school.

After completing her education she went to work at the shipyard in Portland, Maine, as a welder and helped build battleships used in World War II. After the war, she began working in the hospitality industry in Michigan then California. She became a naturalized American citizen in 1953 while living in California. In 1966 she moved to

Astoria, Oregon, and began working at the Red Lion Seafare Restaurant, where she worked until retiring in 2005.

Millie was well known by many people through her work at Red Lion, although she loved being with people her passion was always her love for animals. She loved all animals, rescued many, and fed the rest.

Millie loved to travel with friends and family. Some other adventures took her to Nevada, Hawaii, Florida, California and Maine. She particularly enjoyed her trip to Europe with her friend Christina, where they backpacked through many countries.

Millie kept busy, and she was always at the ready to help others. She was a member of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church. She was also a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and volunteered at their food bank. She participated several years in the Great Columbia Crossing, into her early 80s.

Millie was proceeded in death by sisters Hazel Kierstead, Helen Connors, Mabel Blair and Mary McGibney. Also proceeding Millie in death was an infant son Peter; grandson Paul Allen Smith; and former husbands Jerry Wells and Terry Wright.

Millie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn (Sue) Schindele and Andrew (Andy) Schindele; grandchildren Shelley Bruney (Joe), Cindy Keane, John Schindele and Lisa Lindberg (Guy Moore); great-grandchildren Sumuer Watkins (Derek), Sony Bruney (Erica), Joseph E. Bruney (Gina), Brian Bruney (Stacey), Corey Keane, Nicolas Keane, Cassandra Hancock (Robert), Ryan Young, Katie Young, Courtney Lindberg and Aaron Lindberg; and many great-great-grandchildren.

Per Millie’s request, there will be no memorial service, but a family gathering will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clatsop County Animal Shelter, or any nonprofit animal rescue organization of your choice.