Millie C. Southard

Millie C. Southard, 78, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Craneville Place of Dalton after a period of declining health.
Millie was born on October 4, 1946, in Pittsfield, the daughter of the late Walter and Grayce Rodgers. A lifelong resident of Pittsfield, she attended Notre Dame School and graduated from Saint Joseph High School in 1964. After high school, Millie worked as a telephone operator before beginning her career at the Berkshire Eagle, where she worked for many years. During this time, she had a short marriage with John (Jackie) Buckley, Jr. and their son, Shawn, was born.
In 1973, Millie married David P. "Bear" Southard. They had two beautiful daughters, Kelly and Lisa. Millie devoted her time to raising their children until they were all in school. At this point, she began her career with the Pittsfield Public Schools. For over 20 years, she worked for the schools as a paraprofessional, classroom aide and eventually in the office at Conte School. In addition to her work at the schools, Millie dedicated over 25 years to working for BCArc, caring for the residents with deep compassion and unwavering commitment.
Millie's life was centered on her family and the people she loved. Being a mother and grandmother and sharing in the experiences of her family was a priority in her life. From painting ceramics at Pilgrim Memorial Church to hanging out at Ponterril Pool for the summer, she was always happiest with her kids. A constant presence for her children, she attended everything they participated in including sporting events, field trips, and theater shows. Millie was always there to cheer them on and offer a helping hand. She cherished her children so when she was blessed with granddaughters, she was over the moon! Her granddaughters, Emily and Payton, were her greatest joy. She treasured every moment spent with them, always making time for their smiles, laughter, and love.
Millie was also deeply connected to her faith and regularly attended Mass at St. Joseph's Church, Sacred Heart Church, and St. Charles Church. Her faith guided her throughout life. An avid piano player, Millie shared her musical talent with anyone who would gently goad her to play a tune on her beloved piano. She enjoyed spending time with her close friends through their candlepin bowling league, Bingo Nights, and outings. Millie's love of animals was well-known, as she opened her heart and home to many cats over the years. Her home was warm and inviting, and she loved talking and laughing together on the porch, where she hung the beautiful flowers that she loved. Among the many things that brought Millie happiness were simple pleasures, like enjoying her nightly ice cream, especially Friendly's Peppermint Stick, indulging in Black Crow candies, sharing her famous Oreo Cookie Pie with her family and making homemade fried dough on Sunday mornings. These small, sweet moments mirrored her approach to life—warm, joyful, and filled with love.
Millie is survived by her children, Shawn D. Southard (Carolyn) of NC, Kelly C. Southard of WI, and Lisa M. Southard (Henry Hall) of Tyringham; her granddaughters Emily and Payton; her sister, Diana LaPointe of TX; and many nieces and a nephew. She was predeceased by her husband, David P. Southard, who passed away in 2016, her sister, Faith Trepania, and her first husband, John Buckley.
The family extends a special thanks and heartfelt gratitude to both Home Instead and Craneville Place in Dalton for their compassionate care of Millie during her illness.
Millie will be forever remembered for her kindness, her love for her family, and the countless lives she touched with her warmth and generosity. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave.
Services: Calling hours will be held at Devanny-Condron Funeral Home on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 4 to 7 PM. Friends and family are invited to gather the following morning, Tuesday, March 4, beginning at 8 AM, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Saint Joseph's Church at 9:30 AM. A celebration of Millie's life will follow, with burial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Millie's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, and sent to the funeral home at 40 Maplewood Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201.