Obituary of Bertha Mildred Enquist

B. Mildred Enquist, 98, died peacefully in Westerly, RI on October 23, 2020. She was surrounded by loved ones during her final days. She was known for her gentle manner, love of family, skills at bridge and board games, and making any visitor feel welcome in her home. Born in Winona, MN and raised in Pepin, WI, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Bertha Miller, and sister to Foil Miller, Ruth Lindh, Carol Jackson, Betty Pemberton, and Helen Bostwick. After graduating as valedictorian of Pepin High School, she attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. After graduation, she worked as a medical technician, including running a blood bank in Minneapolis. It was during her college years that she met her future husband, Irving Enquist, while he was a medical student at the University of Minnesota. They were married in 1945 and moved frequently to allow her husband to fulfill his military obligation as a medical officer in the Army Air Corps. They relocated to New York where Dr. Enquist began a position on the faculty of the new surgery training program at the Brooklyn campus of SUNY. They bought their first home in Manhasset where she lived for 65 years. During her years in Manhasset, Millie became an active member of the community. She volunteered at Abilities, was a Scout leader for all three of her children, taught Sunday School, was a member of the Plandome Women’s Club and the PEO Organization She played tennis until the age of 90 and was known for her sharp bridge skills. Her Monday afternoon bridge games were a regular part of her life for close to 60 years. She thoroughly enjoyed working on the NY Times crossword puzzle daily. Through the years, the famous NYT editor Will Shortz came to know Mrs. Enquist well, addressing his responses to her with, “Dear Millie, once again…”. She loved to travel with her husband and visited many parts of the world. They had a tradition of spending two weeks on Little Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire and developed long-lasting friendships with many of the families there. She is survived by three children; Kristine Fach (Cole Fach), Dr. Erik Enquist (Tracey Autio), Rolf Enquist (Tricia Enquist); five grandchildren; Bradley Fach (Amy Fach), Alexis Gillis (John Gillis), Erika Enquist-Xu (Harrison Xu), Victoria Enquist, Hannah Enquist; six great grandchildren; Colton Gillis, Logan Gillis, Alexander Fach, Bailey Fach, Cameron Fach, Jaxson Enquist. A private burial will take place at Locust Valley Cemetery in Locust Valley, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Millie’s memory to Adventures-in-Learning.org or PEO Chapter AA c/o Mrs. Doris Whittemore 2 Crestwood Road Port Washington, NY 11050.