Janet ‘Millie’ McIlvin

7/21/1923 - 12/30/2023

Throughout the last week of December, the Ford, McIlvin and Marchio families shared their love and last days with Janet “Millie” McIlvin, adored mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Born on July 21, 1923, in Buffalo, New York, Janet was raised along with her sister and brothers, by her loving grandmother Belle Smith. Upon her graduation from Lafayette High School, she was proud to enlist and serve in the US Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, where she ran the company store and served as an airplane Wiring Inspector at the Bell Aircraft defense plant during World War II.

Following her discharge from the Coast Guard, Janet married Kenneth McIlvin and settled in South Chatham, Massachusetts in 1948. Together they built and ran the popular Mashpatuxett Village cottages on Cockle Cove Road and raised their family. Janet served as a crossing guard for the Chatham Police Department and also worked for Livingston Pharmacy and Denmarks Home Medical Supply from 1967 through 2007 before finally retiring at the age of 85!

Janet will be forever remembered by all who were fortunate to have known her for her devotion to family, love for music & wildlife, great sense of humor and compassionate spirit!

Janet leaves all her love and 100 years of cherished memories to her Children: Ronald McIlvin of South Chatham, Judith Ford of Harwich & Michael, and Daughter-in-law Jane McIlvin of Brewster, her Grandchildren: Laurie Murphy, Peter McIlvin & Jennifer, Matthew McIlvin & Carrie, Jason Ford & Marcy, Jeffrey Ford & Heidi, Sarah Ford Marchio & Joseph, Joshua Ford & Amanda and Great Grandchildren: Aimee LaRoche, Hunter Murphy, Keira Murphy, Kyle McIlvin, Abigail McIlvin, Emily McIlvin, Sam McIlvin, Jonathan Ford, Bailey Ford, Alexa Ford, Jack Ford, Thomas Marchio, Christopher Marchio & Rachel Marchio.

Please join us for a most joyful Celebration of Life gathering and reception on Saturday afternoon, January 13th at 1:00PM at the South Harwich Meetinghouse, 270 Chatham Road, Harwich, MA.

At Janet’s request, donations in her memory may be sent to: Friends of the South Harwich Meetinghouse, Inc. P.O. Box 786, Harwich, MA 02645