NORTHPORT- Rene Catherine Milliken passed away peacefully Feb 22, 2024, at her residence in the Northport Highlands.

She was 101 years old.

On September 9th, 1922, Rene was born in Puerto Cortez, Honduras. She was the fourth of six children of Harry Milton Hardy and Margarita Taylor Gonzales. She attended an all-girls boarding school in Guatemala, where she received a degree in business.

Rene met her husband, Basil Currie Milliken (Jerry) a career Army officer, in 1948 at an embassy ball while he was stationed in Honduras. She moved to San Francisco, and they were married in Reno, Nevada.

Jerry suffered a major heart attack in 1964 forcing him to retire from active duty. With Rene’s native language being Spanish, they decided to spend their retirement years in Spain. In 1964 Rene, Jerry and daughter Gloria, boarded a ship and sailed to Cadiz, Spain, where they lived for ten years. They were quickly absorbed in the Spanish community and enjoyed all that the Spanish culture had to offer. Every summer they would travel 6 to 8 weeks throughout Europe with their camper trailer, Bessie, enjoying the sites, people, and food.

Jerry’s death in 1974 brought Rene and Gloria back to the United States where Rene eventually settled in Northport to be near her daughter, son-in-law Andy, and two grandchildren, David and Joey, of whom she was very fond.

Rene soon became an active member of the community. She was a member of the Northport Women’s Club, helping with events and calling members. At the Northport Historical Society, she spent many Saturdays manning the museum and shop and giving tours to those who ventured in. Trinity Church was a large part of her life. She sat in the back pew and greeted folks as they entered the church. Rene helped with the church’s peanut brittle fundraiser, bazaar, and chaired the rag bee committee for several years.

Rene was also gifted in needle point and crochet. Many families and friends have received her beautiful handiwork. She also offered English and ceramic classes out of her home in Spain.

Rene lived independently in her home until the age of 97, when she moved to the Northport Highlands. She became an active resident, helping with social activities so much that the director gave her a tee shirt for her 101 birthday that read ‘Northport Highlands, Activity Director’. In addition, Rene continued to cut cloth for the Trinity Church rag bee rug project. There she had a special room which she called her office and kept regular work hours. Currently in Trinity Church’s basement there are enough rags cut for years of rug making. This is her lasting church legacy.

Rene is survived by her daughter Gloria (Andy) Thomas and her grandsons David and Joey Thomas.

She is preceded in death by her husband Basil (Jerry) Milliken; her parents; and her siblings Ruby, Myra, Gladys, Henry, and Harry.

Rene was very private and did not want any fanfare with her passing. Her ashes will be divided between Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C. where Jerry is buried, and Leelanau Township Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be announced in late spring.

To send something in her honor, donations can be made to Trinity United Church of Christ, Northport Historical Society, or the Northport Women’s Club.

Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.