JOSEPHINE REGINA MILGATE

Josephine Milgate, 83, of Brunswick, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2021, surrounded by her family.

Josephine was born in Cleveland on September 1, 1937, the first daughter of Josephine and Joseph Vidmar. She went by Cookie, a fitting name for a woman who was tough on the outside, but had a soft and warm center. Cookie was fearless and always stood up for the causes that mattered most to her, even if it sometimes ruffled feathers. She was opinionated, passionate and outspoken, and fiercely protective of those she loved.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren will fondly remember her grilled cheese sandwiches, weekend sleepovers, shopping trips, movie nights and visits to Amish Country.

Cookie was the connective force holding everyone together, making plans and hosting holidays. Her home was a place where everyone was welcome and she was happiest when it was filled with family and friends. While her devoted husband and partner of 65 years, Richard, was proud to declare himself the patriarch of the family, he knew that Cookie was really the one in charge and he wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Cookie loved television and movies and had great affection for her favorite actors, all of whom earned a coveted spot on the "hunk board" in her office. She also loved to travel, with some of her favorite places being out West. She enjoyed reminiscing about all the wonderful places she had the chance to visit throughout her lifetime and made sure to generously provide her family with "fun money" to spend when they went on their own trips. She was always there in spirit even if she wasn't there physically.

She is survived by her husband Richard (Dick); children Kathleen (Moreland), Robert and Rich; sister and brother-in-law Mary Jane and Marty Baytos; brother and sister-in-law Joe and Sheila Vidmar; grandchildren Meghan (Jurica) and Hallie (Marsh); and great-grandchildren Emmett and Otto Jurica, along with many nieces and nephews. Cookie was also a mother and grandmother figure to many, offering her love, support and compassion to anyone who needed it.

Cookie touched the lives of everyone she met and will be dearly missed by all who had the great privilege to know her.

The family will receive friends Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 1642 Pearl Road, Brunswick (1/2 mile South of Rt. 303). Funeral Service will follow visitation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at a later date.