Mina Mae Waldie

MADISON/ARIZONA-Mina M. Waldie, 87, of Mesa, Arizona, passed peacefully from this life on to the next on February 16, 2018 at her home.  She was born on April 1, 1930 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the daughter of Archibald “Archie” M. and Mina M. (Vincent) Waldie.  Our mother was a loving, accomplished and multi-talented woman, as well having opinions she didn’t mind nor was afraid of sharing with anyone.  She attended Eau Claire Teacher’s College (UWEC) and then returned to the UW Madison to obtain her masters in library science in 1967.  She was a nurse’s aide at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, a vocal instructor at Fall Creek High School in Fall Creek, and the supervising reference librarian for the State of Wisconsin, Legislative Reference Bureau, where she retired after 23 years.  After “retirement” she worked for the Salvation Army part-time for a few years.  She was involved in the Boy Scouts, Troop No. 11 with her youngest grandson from 1993-94 to 2000-2001 as a den mother and all-around helper.  From 2000 to 2006 she volunteered with The Capital Sound and Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps doing anything that needed to be done, sewing, cooking, cleaning, nursing, driving kids to camp, working concessions for Badger football and basketball games and housing many, many wonderful members of Capital Sound.  She was an avid Dixieland jazz enthusiast and was a founding member of the Madison Jazz Society, where she served in a variety of roles as a board member, member and editing the Force in Jazz newsletter and writing the column Cousin Chatty for several years.  She was an accomplished pianist/organist and played at all the churches she belonged to during her life, Monona UMC, Calvary UMC and Trinity UMC, and played for many other events as well.  While with Calvary UMC and Trinity UMC, she served not only as a pianist/organist, but choir director, choir member, lay speaker and secretary for Calvary UMC.  Mina is survived by her sister, Phyllis (James) Custer, whom she adored; her children, David L. (Becky) Ellingson, Daniel E. (Sandy) Ellingson and Dyanne M. (Paul) Collins, who were the joy and consternation of her life; grandchildren, Jeff Ellingson, Chad (Tamra) Ellingson, Britni Brooks, Scott Ellingson, David (Mindie) Ellingson and Josh McDermott; great-grandchildren Gabrielle, Mary, Stephanie, John, Hunter, Marcus, Jack and Ela; and her great-great-grandchildren, Sophie, Dorothy and Kal. She was preceded in death by her parents Archie and Mina; great-grandson, Wyatt; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.A memorial service and life celebration will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2018, followed by a luncheon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Mina’s name to The Lupus Foundation of America, The Madison Jazz Society School Grant Fund or the South Central Library System Foundation.“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.  Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”  Proverbs 31:10-12  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420