Mildred "Millie" Haselden

Mildred “Millie” Ann Haselden, age 89, died peacefully at 9:45 p.m. on November 29, 2022, in Centennial, Colo. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Mary Fitzpatrick, and five older siblings Dorothy Willcox, Margaret Shook, Mary “Sis” Duckels, Arthur "Kayo” Fitzpatrick, and Edward “Fat” Fitzpatrick. She is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Haselden; sons Ed (Jenni), Mike (Carleen) and Byron (Lisa); eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews Danny and Debbie Willcox, JoAnne, Judy, John, & Joe Shook, Fred Duckels and Mary Solomon.

Millie was born February 8, 1933, on her family’s dairy farm at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Havana in Aurora, Colo. Millie, her mother, and siblings operated and sold milk to the community for over 30 years. Life on the farm was challenging, but it shaped Millie into a strong and resilient woman with an amazing work ethic. She had a deep Catholic faith, instilled from her mother, and attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and William Smith High School.

In the early 1950’s she met Jim Haselden while they were both “cruising” on Colfax Avenue, which was a common pastime for their generation. They were married on November 26, 1953, just before Jim was deployed with the Air Force to the Korean War. After the war they settled in Colorado and started a family. Jim supported the family by working construction while Millie supported the family at home. She ran a tight house and expected chores, cleaning, and mandatory church attendance on Sundays. She set an example of a strong work ethic for her sons, which later was exemplified for her grandchildren. She maintained a close family bond by frequently organizing outings to Empire reservoir, Lake Powell and the mountains.

In 1973 Jim and Bud Langley started Haselden Langley Construction in Jim and Millie’s basement at 12302 E. Arkansas Place in Aurora. Millie was a supportive spouse and her role as a mother became even more important with the demands of a new business. As the company grew, Jim and Millie enjoyed many adventures flying different single and twin-engine planes around the country and building houseboats in their backyard. They built their dream home on 20 acres in Aurora, where they enjoyed entertaining, Christmas caroling parties, Easter family gatherings, and the annual Haselden Construction company picnic.

After Jim retired, they continued living life to the fullest, with just as much love as the day they met. They shared subtle signs of affection with hello and goodbye kisses and a tickle here and there. They never missed a grandchild’s school or sporting event; traveled the world with friends and neighbors; and spent endless amounts of time in the Colorado outdoors snowmobiling, four wheeling, ATVing, and riding practically anything with a motor.

In her later years, Millie and Jim slowed down and enjoyed time at home with their grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the many squirrels and critters around their property. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary just a few days before her passing. Millie’s life was filled with family, love, compassion, and exploration that will live on in her loved ones forever.

We love you Millie and you will always be missed.

Love,

Byron, Ed and Mike

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association .

If you still want to send flowers, please send to Horan McConaty by Thursday, December 8.