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Note: Melda was born in St. Louis. She moved with her parents, Alexander and Patronella Milwid, first to Jacksonville, Illinois and then in the late 19-teens to Chicago. She and her sister, Bonnie worked at sewing "piecework," as did their father. Isabel Buban of St. Louis said that, "The girls made hats." They were all probably working at Hart, Shafner & Marx, and this is probably where Melda met George Paser, her future husband.
She was living with her parents, at the time of the 1920 census in Cook County, Illinois. They were in Enumeration District 684, Page 4A; Family #75. They were living at 2018 S. Wachtinaw Avenue. They were living in a rented house. The census was taken 5 January 1920, and Melda was reported to be 18 years old. She was working as an Operator in a Tailor Shop. She could read, write and speak English. They were living in a rented house.
It was shortly after this census that she married George Frank Paser on 10 April 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. They were both in the "Lithuanian Community," but how they met is not known. They lived in St. Clair, Pennsylvania for about 2 years after their marriage. George had three brothers who were also in St. Clair. Apparently George, Jonas and Vintsas moved to Chicago in about 1922; brother Frank remained in St. Clair. (See "Notes" under George F. Paser)
Melda was a kind, gentle soul, who took care of everyone. She graduated from the Eighth Grade and had a little bit of high school. She always wanted to be a nurse. She wasn't able to continue her education, but worked as a practical nurse doing home care in many capacities. She worked with a doctor as a midwife during the depression, and took care of many people in their homes during prolonged illnesses or after injuries until she suffered failing health herself.
During World War II, she worked as a riveter in an aircraft factory.
Although she and George were married in an Episcopal Church, she was one of the founders of the Oak Lawn Community Church, and one of the committee who brought Reverend Samuel Bauer to the church. The church was "non-denominational," but Rev. Bauer was a member of the Presbyterian organization. He was a good friend to her and the family, and one who supported Melda at all times.
Melda was the tower of strength in the Paser family. She was the confidant, advisor and always available helper. She was tolerant and non-judgmental, and would listen to any problem that was brought to her. She usually had some very practical advice for dealing with difficult situations. When she died, the family underpinnings seemed to collapse, and many were unable to cope with their problems without her. Two grandchildren took their lives. Other family members fell into bickering and criticism of each other. She would not have been happy with this legacy.
She had adult onset diabetes, but fared well with it. It was very hard for her to give up her beloved potatoes, but she did. She became ill with breast cancer in about 1974. After a mastectomy, she was pronounced cured, but the cancer reappeared a few years later in the form of metastatic lung cancer. She weakened quickly under the new onslaught of problems.
Melda has a certificate of Naturalization #3016762, issued 21 Mar 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. Since she was born in St. Louis, Missouri and her parents were naturalized, she probably didn't need it. She most likely took the classes so that she could help her husband, George, with his naturalization processing.
Her grandson, Jerry Renz, lived with her during her last few years of life. They took care of each other.
Melda loved all of her children and grandchildren and was always there if they needed her. She was an active Deaconess at the Oak Lawn Community Church, managing the kitchen during their many church dinners, and crocheting afghans and other smaller projects for church fund raisers. She was very proud of her 50-year Sunday School Attendance Pin. She enjoyed teaching her Sunday School class of junior-high age girls. (One of them was Sandra Ammerman!) Whenever she had a spare moment, you could find Melda either reading her Bible or crocheting. She enjoyed participating in the White Shrine activities with her husband, George.
She will always be remembered for the love that radiated from her, filling the lives of those around her.
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