Mildred Nicolai, 102, of Syracuse, passed away at 10:08 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Goshen Hospital.

Mildred was born Feb. 28, 1913, to Jesse and Maude Miller. Except for an early childhood move where she and her family homesteaded on the plains of Montana, Mildred made her home and life in Syracuse. It was there she met the love of her life, Harry R. Nicolai. They were married on June 17, 1933, and they founded and operated Nicolai Machine Shop.

She was an accomplished homemaker, baker, and cook; and she never tired of playing Yahtzee and Rummikub with family and friends, but the pride of Mildred’s life was her son, Larry D. Nicolai. Mildred played an active role throughout his childhood and loved attending high school athletic events to cheer him on. She opened her home with love (and lemon meringue pie) for Larry and his friends to gather for good times and delicious meals. Her relationship with Larry was unmatched; his unconditional love, commitment and devotion to Mildred, especially in  her golden years, created an unbreakable trust and deep-rooted connection with her. She saw him not only as her son but also her best friend and confidant.

She is survived by her son, Larry, and daughter-in-law, Debi; three grandchildren: Heather R. Salcius (Matthew), Jason L. Nicolai (Kathleen), and Lindsey C. Nicolai; five great-grandchildren: Nicholas D. Hensley, Matthew S. Hensley, Jason G. Nicolai, Benjamin L. Nicolai, and Erin A. Nicolai; sister Marilyn J. Hodgson; sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins; forever friends, old and new; and her ever-faithful pastor and friend, Reverend Harlan Steffen.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband: Harry; and her infant daughter: Shirley Jean.

Mildred was an active member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and attending Calvary United Methodist Church after the EUB Church merged with the Methodist church. She loved to worship at the annual community “Boat-In Worship” conducted from Memorial Day through Labor Day. She embodied the true spirit of Christianity and love for the Lord. The world has lost one of its angels, as we mourn the loss of this special lady who endured and conquered challenges that words cannot adequately describe.

Mildred never met a stranger, and all were welcome into her heart and home.  She was never happier than when she had a houseful of company, and she adored having visitors over the last two years as a resident at Miller’s Merry Manor, Syracuse. Mildred loved life. Any and all who were privileged to know her, loved her, too. She will be sorely missed by her loving family and large circle of friends and acquaintances.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff at Miller’s Merry Manor, for the loving care they provided to Mildred during her 22 months as a resident, and to the “dream team” of doctors, surgeons, and nurses at Goshen Hospital who lovingly cared for her in her final days.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Harlan Steffen at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Solomon Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery near Benton.

Contributions in Mildred’s memory may be sent to the Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association (For Boat-In Worship), 10419 N Turkey Creek Road, Syracuse, IN 46567, or to a charity of your choice. To send condolences in Mildred Nicolai’s memory, please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Second Timothy 4:6-8, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”