Mildred May (Brackett) Markoff

Mildred May Markoff passed away in Westminster on November 17, 2024.

Mildred was born on May 11, 1943, in Denver, CO. Millie Brackett graduated from Mapleton High School in 1961 and married James Andrew Markoff on December 15 of that same year. Jim and Millie welcomed daughter Cindi in 1963 and son Phil in 1975. 

Millie was a hard worker. When they farmed near Kremmling she would work alongside Jim in the fields and still manage to prepare home-cooked meals, often including home-baked bread. She worked in St. Vrain Valley school food service for many years, becoming a kitchen manager and serving in leadership. More than once she was the state and national recipient of the Louise Sublette Award from the School Nutrition Association. One year the award was presented to her by Ed McMahon of Tonight Show fame. Being the national winner meant an all-expenses paid trip to the national convention. The trip to Nashville was her favorite. Millie loved country music and was thrilled to finally attend the Grand Ole Opry in person. After retiring from the schools, she worked for several years in the King Soopers bakery. 

Millie was a caregiver. In addition to raising her children and working to feed hundreds of school children, she took care of her husband, mother-in-law, mother, sister, and great-uncle in their last years. After becoming a widow she adopted two chihuahuas, Chantilly and Angel, and spoiled them rotten. Millie’s green thumb was unmatched and her garden flourished under her care.

Millie was generous and loved to give gifts. She never came to visit without bringing something. She helped each of her grandsons get their first car and provided financial help whenever there was a need. 

Millie spent several winters in Yuma, Arizona, and enjoyed time with friends and trips to the casinos. 

Millie loved her 4 grandchildren. They knew that a Saturday visit from Grandma meant a trip to McDonald’s for a Happy Meal. Her great-grandchildren were the light of her life and she did not hold back on buying toys for them. 

Millie’s final years were difficult as Alzheimer’s Disease took hold of her. Even as her cognitive abilities faded, she still loved to dance and sing along with her favorite music. She enjoyed attending weekly services at The Old Country Church. She often showed care and concern for fellow memory care residents. Millie kept her sense of humor and her stubborn, feisty personality. 

Life was not always kind to Millie, and the adversity hardened her. Despite her tough exterior, she loved her family deeply and truly cared for those less fortunate, especially children. She was a contributor to organizations like the Denver Rescue Mission and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Millie is survived by her daughter, Cindi Krebs (Jay) and son Phil Markoff (Tenneile Rice), 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Millie will be held at Good Shepherd Bible Church, 7090 W. 64th Ave. Arvada, CO 80003, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Arvada Cemetery.