Mildred Drucilla (Davey) Sarka

Mildred (Davey) Sarka

Caring With a Great Sense of Humor -

Mildred (Davey) Sarka died peacefully on Thursday, November 29, 2012, at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg at the age of 89. She had lived in Philadelphia, Broomall, Safety Harbor, and Clearwater, FL prior to moving the Mechanicsburg area.

She is survived by her daughter Caryl Burrell and her husband Craig of Jackson, NJ, a son Lee Sarka and his wife Jill of Dillsburg; three grandchildren, Andrew and Deanna Burrell, and Matthew Bair; one great-grandchild, Adam Bair; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Among those preceding her in death are her beloved husband of 37 years, William; a grandson, Danny Bair; her siblings, Margaret, George (Bud), and William (Bill).

Born in Williamstown on November 10, 1923, she was the daughter of the late George and Dora Davey. After graduating from High School in 1941, Mildred was employed at Armstrong Cork Company in Lancaster. She subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Navy WAVES, where she reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Mildred proudly served in Washington, DC from 1944-1946. She was a lifelong patriot often recognizable for her preference for red, white and blue clothing. Having been born into a very musical family, she particularly enjoyed singing in multiple church choirs and community choruses and playing the piano throughout her life.

While living in Broomall, she was an active member of the Marple Presbyterian Church and it’s Sunday School and Women’s classes. Mildred often participated in talent shows and sometimes wore whimsical costumes to enhance the performance. Perhaps Mildred’s greatest gift was the ability to make and maintain friendships through her positive attitude, encouraging outlook, and sense of humor. She could always be counted on for being both caring and supportive, and to provide a friendly smile and wave to all she met.

All are welcome to join Mildred’s family at her visitation on Wednesday, December 19, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 at Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, and at Messiah Lifeways Chapel on Thursday from 2:00 until time of service at 3:00 at with Pastor Debby Bentch officiating.

Military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard immediately following the service. Cremation was private.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation (www.womensmemorial.org/Donate/donate).

Mildred’s family has entrusted her care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Mildred’s full obituary, share your memories and photos, offer your condolences and view her memorial video and portrait at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .