Mildred Louise Harper

Mildred (“Millie”) Louise Harper [88], of Plymouth, MI passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026. Millie was born on October 15, 1937, to Gotthilf (Gus) and Augusta (Gussie) Thumm in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Mackenzie High School in 1955, she went on to her first job with Bell Telephone Company. On June 27th, 1969, she said “I do” to Allen L. Harper—the man she’d first met on a blind date lovingly arranged by close friends—and together they cherished nearly half a century of a warm, shared life. Millie was a dedicated employee and spent her long impactful career with Providence Hospital and the founding Daughters of Charity in various senior administrative assistant roles including to the VP of Mission Integration and the President of Providence. Her colleagues recognized her reliability and compassionate nature, often seeing her as the quiet force behind the scenes. She served with integrity, finding fulfillment in helping people and the organization’s missions thrive. Millie played an integral role in modeling and leading others in living out the core values. She particularly enjoyed the ethics committee, the infant mortality project, the Christmas Store, and Mission Days. She was often seen behind the scenes working at the Christmas store herself. It was evident that the children at the store brought out such joy in her! You knew it was time for the Baby Bottle Collection when you peeped into Millie’s office and saw baby bottles of all sizes, yes some were 2-3 feet high. She disseminated the bottles throughout the health system and carefully retrieved them, securing the donation money for The Infant Mortality Project. She made a difference in the way she met and greeted patients, visitors, and employees. She was entrusted to assist with volunteer orientation and served on Our Lady of Providence League Board Directors. Millie was so trustworthy that when a superior sister’s sight was failing, Millie was called upon to read very confidential reports to her. After retiring Millie volunteered at Providence Novi Hospital in the Spiritual Care Department and generously gave over 3000 hours of service. She was happy to work on the Gift Cart and Activity Cart to help bring comfort to patients as well as in the role of Concierge at the Heart Institute entrance. Millie served as a member of the Providence Retiree Club as the Recording Secretary for at least 8 of her retirement years. Millie dedicated her life to being a wonderful wife, sister, aunt and friend. She supported so many friends and family through the activities and special events in their lives. She enjoyed reading, volunteering, playing cards and particularly loved going to the casino. Many of Millie and Al’s vacations or outings included time spent playing video poker. And Millie had luck like nobody else! Millie and Al were able to travel but the most notable trip was one to Germany with Don and Doris to spend time with the Thumm family, visit ancestral hometowns and make lasting memories. She was a treasure that will be greatly missed. Millie is preceded in death by her mother and father, Gotthilf and Augusta Thumm, her beloved husband Allen, twin sister Doris (Don) and brother Elmo (Barbara), Sister-in-law Karen Sirko (the late Joe) and brother-in-law Jerry Harper (Helen). She is survived by her brother-in-law, Don Durham, Sister-in-law Barbara Thumm, and Sister in-law Helen Harper along with many nieces and nephews. Father, we entrust to Your loving care Millie, a devoted wife, a loving sister, a nurturing aunt, and a loyal friend. Thank You for the gift of her life and the beautiful light she brought to ours as a witness who lived her life so gracefully. Her selfless love lives on in each of us. We ask for comfort and that the memories she created shine in our hearts forever. May she rest in peace. Funeral Service will be held 11 am Saturday, April 11, 2026, with visitation at 10 am until time of service at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River Ave Novi 48375. (248-348-1800) In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Daughters of Charity International Project Services. Your donation—made in Millie’s honor—will help continue the compassionate work she so deeply admired. For more information, please visit www.daughtersips.org. Your kindness and support are greatly appreciated.

Mildred Louise Harper

October 15, 1937 - April 3, 2026