Mildred E. (Burkill) Scannell

Holden - Mildred Evelyn “Millie” Scannell (Burkill) passed away peacefully at her home in Holden on May 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 102 years old. She was the daughter of Leo E. Burkill and Hazel E. Burkill (Choquette).

Born on May 17, 1923, in Athol Millie was raised in Greenfield, and was a proud graduate of Greenfield High School, Class of 1941. Millie married Flourence Peter “Lefty” Scannell in 1948 with whom she shared 49 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 1998. Together they built a life centered around love, faith, and family.

After dedicating many years to raising her family, she began a career in public service with the district courts in Greenfield. Her dedication and professionalism led her to the role of executive secretary to the Judges' Lobby, where she served with distinction.

She is lovingly remembered and will be dearly missed by her children Kathleen Reny and her husband, Mark, Dr. Mary Scannell, and Robert Scannell and his wife Sandra. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren Michael Reny and his wife, Megan, Katherine McDowell and her husband, Sean, Kristina Cronin and her husband, Sean, Abigail Scannell, and Peter Scannell and his wife, Emily. Millie also delighted in the lives of her great-grandchildren Brendan and Lauren Reny, and Graeme, Vivian, Vanessa, and Grace McDowell.

Millie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lefty, her brothers Arthur Burkill and Donald Burkill, and her dear sister-in-law and friend, Mary Scannell, with whom she shared a close bond while living in Greenfield and a home after moving together to Holden in 2010.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Millie was a longtime communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenfield. She found joy in attending daily Mass with Mary and participating in church activities. Upon relocating to Holden, she became an active member of Immaculate Conception Church in Worcester, where she continued to attend morning Mass regularly.

Millie’s life was filled with simple pleasures that brought her great joy. She had a passion for sewing and needle crafts, took pride in tending to her garden, and loved traveling with her husband, Lefty and brother, Donald. Cape Cod held a special place in her heart as a gathering spot for family and friends with many cherished memories. In later years, she enjoyed word searches and playing bingo with her friends at the Senior Center.

Known for always having a smile and kind word for everyone she met, Millie’s warmth touched all who knew her. She was devoted not only to her family but also to her beloved cat, Tim, and the many friendships she nurtured throughout her long life.

Her family wishes to thank Melisa Carr for her companionship and wonderful care provided to Millie, and to Martha Greene for her friendship, weekly visits and bringing Millie Holy Communion once she was no longer able to attend Mass. The family would also like to thank Judith Webster and Kelly O’Day for their care of and friendship to Millie, and Dr. William Shine for his outstanding, compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St. # 1, Worcester, MA 01605, Holden Senior Center, 1130 Main St.,, Holden, MA 01520 Holden, or the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606.

May Mildred Evelyn “Millie” Scannell’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her. Calling hours will be Friday, May 30, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street, Worcester, MA, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM also at the church. Burial will be Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Cemetery, 175 Wisdom Way, Greenfield, MA. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.