Mildred A. Sauermelch (nee Ayres) "Millie" passed peacefully surrounded by her family August 26, 2025, at the age of 95. Beloved wife of the late Frank Sauermelch.  Devoted mother of Elaine Lamping (Joseph), Stephen Sauermelch (Joanne) and Jim Sauermelch (Kathleen).  Loving grandmom of Audrey Lamping (Anthony), David Lamping (Jennifer), Patrick Lamping (Laila), Matthew Sauermelch (Bonnie), Michael Sauermelch (Camila Chicarelli), Brian Sauermelch, (Teika Takedai), Samantha Sauermelch, Emma Sauermelch and Ava Sauermelch.  Great Grandmom of Patrick Connolly, Jayla Connolly, Jaycianna Bermudez, Evelyn Lamping, Brent Sauermelch, Emma Hartman, and Mia Hartman.

Born on December 20, 1929, in Philadelphia, to James and Anna McDonough Ayres. Her family lived in North Philly where she attended Saint Veronica's Grade School. Both of her parents had a deep devotion to their Faith. Her mother, an Irish Catholic, prayed the rosary, and went to missions at church. Her Presbyterian father, James, helped her with her religion lessons and learning her prayers. She would tell stories about how her father would be asked to drive the nuns places in his car and how Sister Virginella would ask her mother to pick up some oranges for her when she went to the store. She also recalled hearing the radio broadcast of President Franklin Roosevelt's "Day Which Will Live in Infamy" speech when she was almost 12 years old.

After graduating from St. Veronica's, Millie attended Little Flower High School, graduating in 1947. She would visit the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Germantown with her school friend, Theresa, during her high school years.

After high school, she set out in pursuit of her lifelong vocation of nursing. She attended Philadelphia General Hospital and graduated in 1950 as a Registered Nurse. While in nursing school, she met her future husband, Frank Sauermelch, on a blind date. She married Frank on September 12, 1953. They raised three children, Elaine, Stephen, and James. Sadly, Frank died on January 17, 1988.

During her nursing career, she worked at PGH and Hahnemann Hospital. But, the majority of her nursing was spent working for the city, first at Riverview Nursing Home, then for the courts, and eventually for the Employee Medical Unit from which she retired.

Her devotion to her Catholic faith and to her family and friends was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a member of Saint Matthew Parish for over 60 years where she attended the weekday and Sunday Masses and was well known to many of the regular churchgoers. Millie had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother, praying the rosary every day. She always kept her family and friends in her prayers and in her heart. If anyone ever needed prayers, she was the one to ask.

Millie was always present and involved with her family, whether it was a joyous occasion or a tearful one. She was there for whomever needed her in good times and in difficult times. Always surrounded by family, she was enthusiastically present for every christening, First Communion, Confirmation, birthday, graduation, and holiday. The center piece of her holiday celebrations was always the meal that she cooked and proudly served. Millie enjoyed having extended family for the holidays. She would not hear of anyone not having somewhere to go. Because of her generous spirit, they had an open invitation to her table. The memories of those dinners include all kinds of stories and "talk" about family history and family members. That tradition was passed on to her children. She was always proud of her Irish heritage, so one of her favorite meals was our St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage dinner where we went around the table raising our Waterford crystal goblets filled with Irish mead and giving Irish toasts. She would tell us about her grandmother who was born in County Mayo and raised pure bred cats.

She loved to travel, going to such faraway places as Ireland and Italy. She also spent summers in Ocean City with her family, as well as in Florida. She belonged to the Primrose Club at Saint Katherine's and went to the shows and day trips on the bus with her friends from Seniors.

She liked going out to lunch with her friends and family. Diners were some of her favorite places to go. But she especially enjoyed her weekly lunches at Gallo's. The companionship and gossip were her favorite things, and as she always said, she got a good meal out of it.

Millie leaves a lasting legacy of love of family and friends, her faith, her resilience, and her generosity toward those in need. She certainly showed us how to live a good life!

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM St. Matthew Church (upper church), 3000 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, followed by her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM.  Interment will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Matthew School Development Office c/o Sister Connie and Sister Jeanette, 3040 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19149 or Little Flower High School, 1000 W. Lycoming Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 in Millie's memory would be appreciated.

May the road rise before you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sunshine warmly upon your face,
May the rain fall gently upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.