Mildred “Mimi” Wilson, née Mildred Jane Brown, passed away on August 22, 2025, just days shy of her 91st birthday, at her home in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Her life was marked by significant accomplishments in education, the arts, and community service, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her.
A Life of Education and the Arts
Born in Kearney, Nebraska, and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Mimi pursued her passion for music and the arts. She earned degrees in Music Education and the Arts from the University of Missouri and the University of Southern California. These qualifications laid the foundation for a fulfilling career that intertwined her love for teaching with her artistic endeavors.
Mimi was married to Dr. William Wilson, the former Director of Diagnostic Radiology at the Memorial Medical Center of Long Beach. Together, they raised five children—Susan, Chris, Nancy, Bill, and AliceAnn—in the community of Palos Verdes, California. During this time, Mimi co-founded the New Place Theater Company, where she directed numerous theatrical productions at the Norris Theater.
Her involvement in the arts extended to the Palos Verdes Ballet, where she collaborated with respected figures such as Fay Gillette and Uta Graf-Apostol. Mimi’s contributions to the cultural landscape of Palos Verdes were significant and left a profound impression on local arts enthusiasts.
A New Chapter and Lasting Legacy
After relocating to Ridgewood, New Jersey, Mimi embarked on a successful second career in real estate. She remained actively engaged in her church and community, epitomizing the values of service and commitment. Beyond her professional life, Mimi became an accomplished painter, using her artistic talents to create cherished memories with family, especially during gatherings at the shore.
Mimi is survived by her five children, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and her brother, Robert Brown. She was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Scollay. Her family reflects on her legacy of creativity, service, and deep devotion to loved ones.
In a final tribute to her life, Mimi was laid to rest at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Lorain, Ohio, on August 30, 2025. The impact of her life and work will resonate within her family and the communities she touched for generations to come.
