Mildred (Press) Apter died Saturday May 28 at Saint Mary Home in West Hartford, where she had resided since 2004. A life-long resident of Hartford, Millie was a shining example of a woman who lived life to its fullest. For 96 years her zest and indomitable spirit inspired everyone who was lucky enough to have their lives touched by this remarkable individual. Millie knew how to have fun. She was an ace tennis player – a regular on the courts at Elizabeth Park – as well as an accomplished bowler who achieved membership in the elite 300 League by bowling a perfect game. She loved to swim and played a decent game of golf. Music was a huge part of Millie’s life. Her taste was eclectic and she would dance or sing along with grace and gusto. She was the best pie baker in Hartford, co-authoring three best-selling cookbooks. She loved the Red Sox, Carvel soft serve, light beer and any chance to ride in her friend Patt’s red truck. Millie dressed with style and verve in colorful outfits that perfectly complimented her lively personality.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and loyal and true friend. Wherever she went, she left smiles along her path.

Millie was predeceased by her husband attorney Morris Apter, as well as by her brother Bernard Press and her sister Isabelle Kafka. She leaves her sister Vivian (Press) Kaplan and Vivian’s husband Phillip, of Woodbridge, CT, and her brother Irving and his wife Gina of Boynton Beach, FL.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter Lora (Apter) Brody and son-law-in David Brody of Waltham, MA, and by her son Leonard Apter of West Hartford, CT. She leaves three grandsons; Jonathan Brody and his wife Tsai Li of Taipei, Taiwan, Max Apter Brody and his wife Joanna Frankel of Gill, MA, and Samuel Brody and his partner Mary Ann Petti of Northampton, MA. Millie was lucky enough to have witnessed the birth of three adoring great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Julia Brody of Taipei, Taiwan, and Elijah Frankel Brody of Gill, MA.

Millie’s death leaves a huge hole in the lives of her many friends, especially her life-long friend and tennis partner Lucille Strouch of West Hartford, and her devoted companion, caregiver and friend, Patricia Ovitt of Westfield, MA. The family is especially grateful for the seven years of loving care Millie received from the extraordinary staff at Saint Mary Home.

There will be a graveside service at the Emanuel Synagogue cemetery in Wethersfield on Wednesday, June 1 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the charity of your choice. You can also honor Millie by going out to smell the roses.