Obituary of Millicent Bannerman VanCour

Millicent "Millie" VanCour, 86, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2020, at The Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, NY. Millie was born in Lake Placid on July 15, 1933. She was the daughter of Campbell Bannerman and Sadie (Preston) Bannerman Griggs. Millie lived her entire life in Lake Placid. She graduated from the Lake Placid High School in 1951. She had fond memories of her school days and of the lifelong friendships that developed. There were humorous stories she shared about her childhood most included horseback riding and driving sulkies with Saratoga trotters around the village. Soon after graduating from high school she married Stanley VanCour on April 19, 1952. They shared 67 happy years of marriage together, raising two children, Andrew and Shelley. Millie was a very devoted mother and wife, always taking care of her family, putting their needs and wishes above her own. She guided her children with love and understanding her entire life. Throughout her lifetime she worked a variety of jobs. She worked as an operator for the New York Telephone Company immediately after high school. Once the telephone company moved their location, Millie decided to concentrate on being a stay at home mom while her children were small. As her children grew she worked at Dunn's Gift Gallery during the summer months. She then moved on to manage a clothing store known as Bermuda Knits. She also worked at The Market owned by the Crowleys. Millie spent most of her working career employed by the Lake Placid Memorial Hospital in the billing and admissions departments. Millie is survived by her daughter Shelley and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Stanley, her son Andrew, sisters Winnie VanCour, Lorraine Edgley and her parents. She has missed her loved ones greatly and has struggled through the past several years feeling the loss. She never grew tired of seeing the mountains on daily car rides, always commenting on how beautiful they are and how fortunate we are to live here. In the summer, she enjoyed rides up Whiteface Mountain, sitting on a bench and taking in the view. She loved all animals. Each day she would watch the birds outside her kitchen window admiring the bright red of the male cardinals then looking for the females. Millie will be best remembered for greeting everyone she met with her warm and welcoming smile. Her friendly, outgoing personality invited people to easily begin a conversation with her. Laughter and happiness is something she sought daily. Being surrounded by family and friends brought her the greatest joy. At the end of every phone call and before every goodbye she would say, "I love you" to those she held close to her heart. If Millie had the opportunity to give people advice for living life, she would say, " Be thankful for what you have and say, I love you often" As Millie aged she fought her failing health with a strong will and determination to remain as independent as possible. The greatest battle she fought was the feeling of loneliness due to being predeceased by the majority of her family and friends. Now, she is again holding her husband's hand, smiling and at peace because she is finally home. Thank you to the Adirondack Medical Center for the outstanding care and all of the TLC you gave to her. We are very fortunate to have you in our community. Thank you to all who helped to fill Millie's final year with happiness. She treasured your visits, bringing meals, sharing dinners together, going to lunch, the car rides, watching puppies in Puppygarten and other dog training classes, feeding baby goats, the weenie roasts, spending time with us in the evenings, playing games and watching movies. There were so many of you that cared for and stood by us when things became difficult. For that we are forever grateful. In Millie's memory, try to take time out of your busy schedule to visit a Senior that needs nothing more than to see a smiling face and share some simple conversation. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimers Association, High Peaks Hospice or your local Volunteer Rescue Squad. A Funeral service will be held for Millie at the Adirondack Community Church in May followed by burial in North Elba Cemetery. The M.B. Clark, Inc. funeral home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements. Relatives and friends are invited to share a memory or leave condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com .