Mildred Ellen Pedde

Mildred was born at home in Oklahoma, the 2nd of 3 daughters. Parents, Delsie and Everett Isley relocated the family to Central California, as her father was a builder and work was available there. Following the divorce of her parents, Mildred, her mother and older sister worked in the Canneries. Her mother also housed boarders to help support the family. Mildred spent her early California years in several cities, including Ione, where her favorite Aunt Etta lived.

Mildred married the first of 3 husbands and then relocated to Southern California. Her mother and older sister also relocated to the Los Angeles area. Mildred worked in several occupations - including car hop and as a cashier at Ralph’s market. Later in life, she always told the cashiers at Ralph’s that in her day all the prices had to be memorized and cashiers were responsible for tallying tax and accurately adding the bill…no scanning of anything. She was very proud of her abilities.

Her third and final marriage, to Veteran Harold Pedde, resulted in the birth of two Daughters, Cheryl and Gayle. Harold’s Cabinet Business, was located in Wilmington, CA, so they built their family home in San Pedro, CA. Mildred concentrated her energies on raising her daughters and managing their home. Her daughters are still residents in this area. Her two granddaughters live out of state with their families now. Her grandson still resides in San Pedro, CA. Mildred also had 5 great grandsons and always looked forward to pictures and stories of their development.

We attribute Mildred’s longevity to multiple factors, genetics in part. Her mother lived to be almost 97 and her maternal grandmother also lived into her mid Nineties. Mildred had an active mind, she loved doing crossword puzzles and watching challenging game shows. She walked daily, with her walker, in her apartment compound and often used the exercise equipment in the recreation room. Mildred was a disciple of Woman’s World Magazine and would follow suggested eating trends. She would eat whole grain cereal daily with a banana and other fruit. She ate salt free cooking and declined beef, pork, scavenger fish and fried foods. She never smoked and rarely drank alcohol.

Her likes included Subway sandwiches, El Pollo Loco and an occasional piece of pizza. She loved to dance the Cumbia and other Mexican dances that she came to appreciate from the employees in her husband’s business. She danced until her late 80’s. She also loved clothes, especially blue and turquoise prints. She was meticulous about matching outfits before going out. Mildred Loved Sweets. Low fat vanilla ice cream, pineapple sherbet, pies, buddy bars, jellybeans and Mexican pastries ranked among her favorite vices. At 104, she felt entitled to her goodies.

Mildred was very chatty and often engaged in conversations with strangers and like most strong-willed people, she was very opinionated.

Mildred was proud of the successes of her daughters and grandchildren. Her grandson is an excellent Sailor and granddaughters, with their families and careers. She was also proud of her great grandfather, Colonel James McGomery, who actively participated in the Underground Railroad in Kansas assisting escaped slaves to freedom.

Mildred’s daughters and family are celebrating Mildred’s life on Monday February 12th, 2024, 9:00 AM at Green Hills Mortuary at 27501 S Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes California

At her age she was practically peerless. Thank you for acknowledging our national treasure, Mildred Pedde.

A private family gathering will be held afterwards.