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Mildred Sawchuck Sten Parkinson Prince

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Mildred Sawchuck Sten Parkinson Prince
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Mildred Sawchuck Sten Parkinson Prince

Mildred Sawchuck Sten Parkinson Prince, 98, of Washington, died Monday, October 3, 2022, in Strabane Woods, with family by her side.

She was born February 29, 1924, a daughter of the late Margaret Yankovich and Ted Cohee.

Mildred began her working career as a hairdresser. In 1964, she became the first female billboard salesperson in the country before eventually finding her life’s work. In 1971, she opened Melda’s Dress Shop, starting a career that would last the rest of her working life. Her innate fashion sense made the clothing industry a natural fit. Her understanding of style and ability to predict the newest trends, as well as the gift of being able to select clothing that looks good on any body type, made the boutique a great success.

She eventually became a manager, buyer, and designer of several exclusive women’s dress shops. These jobs took her to Palm Beach, Fla., Pinehurst, N.C., Lake Placid, N.Y., and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Many of the people she met offered short-term jobs that gave unique experiences. She traveled Europe as the companion of a wealthy widow, that included a flight on the Concord and sailed on The Sea Goddess from Spain to St. Croix as a program coordinator. She once sold a fur coat to John Lennon without any idea of who he was.

Mildred always loved children and supported programs that catered to their needs. This passion and her close friendship with Joyce Ellis led her to give time and energy to the reopening of the LeMoyne Center.

Mildred enjoyed spending time with family, friends, grandchildren and her eight great great-grandchildren, regaling them with stories of her youth. Most of them began “when I was a little girl, we were so poor”. While living at Strabane Woods, she filled her time by mentoring employees, telling the staff how to better do their job.

A 1942 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School, she married three times. First to Oscar G. Sten in 1944-1966, then Odel Parkinson in 1968-1990, and Richard Prince in 1996-1998.

She is survived by her children, Ronald Sten (Susan), Robert Sten (Linda), Keith Sten, Peggy Northrop (Thomas); grandchildren, Tami Krysko, Julie Meta, Rob Sten, Greg Sten, Katie Shoukry, Charlene Seibert, Emily Northrop, Grace Dalmolin, Andi Sten, Michele Lukas, and Paul Jacobs; great-grandchildren, Calleigh and Alexandra Meta, Caroline and Fisher Sten, Juliette and James Shoukry, Abigail and Caitlyn Seibert, Leighton Dalmolin, Lauren, Ryan and Garrett Lukas; a sister, Peggy Bunner; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were siblings, Henry Sawchuck, Robert Sawchuck, Laverne Rockwell, and Patti Nicolella.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation.

Memorial donations may be made to the LeMoyne Center, 200 N. Forrest Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.

A guest book is available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

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