“There are no happy endings.
Endings are the saddest part,
So just give me a happy middle
And a very happy start.”
~Shel Silverstein
Kristin Marie Mills, age 48, of Wood Village, passed away on February 8, 2021 from complications due to COVID-19. She fought the disease for over a month, eventually winning the battle against the virus, but not before suffering too much collateral damage and, sadly, losing the war. To lose her so soon has been a sad ending, indeed, to an otherwise happy story.
Kristin was born in Sandy, Oregon. The daughter of Judd Mills and Dorothy (Proett) Mills, Kristin had a very happy start growing up in a lovely spot on Firwood Road, where she had a view of Mt. Hood from her bedroom window. Kristin attended Firwood Elementary and graduated from Sandy Union High School in 1990, where she made many dear friends. Kristin later continued her education in the field of hospitality and tourism management, but ultimately changed courses and spent many years working for Providence Medical Group, where she greatly enjoyed the company of her “work family.”
Kristin was a devoted daughter, sister, partner, and friend. Those who knew her knew her to be generous to a fault, always thinking of others first. Kristin was fond of crafting and particularly enjoyed doing it with friends. Her many beautiful creations are now treasured mementos of her beautiful life. She loved animals and children, especially when someone else had to do the cleaning up after both! With an infectious laugh and a smile that could light up a room, she endeared herself to all who knew her.
Kristin is preceded in death by her beloved father, Judd Mills, who passed away exactly four months prior to Kristin.
She is survived by her loving mother Dorothy Mills, brother Tony Mills (Debra), sister Marjorie Mills Coleman (Brian), and longtime “Sweetcheeks” Kelvin McCoy. She also leaves behind four loving nephews who will dearly miss their Aunt K, and a wealth of friends who will mourn her absence.
Kristin’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nurses of the Intensive Care Unit at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center. Their warmth and compassion throughout her illness has been a tremendous comfort. We offer our most heart-felt thank you to them and, by extension, all front-line care givers who are helping so many families through this exceptionally difficult time.
Family will gather for a private, graveside memorial at Cliffside Cemetery in Sandy, OR.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be given to the Oregon Humane Society at 1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211-1411.