Former professor elegant, charming

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Retired Professor Maureen Whitfield Mills is remembered as someone who had
a passion for medieval literature and Arthurian legend.

“She really brought it to life for students,” said Ron Primeau,
English professor.

Mills died April 28 at the age of 75.

“A lot of times she’d travel to England and go on digs. Sometimes,
she’d go alone, and sometimes, she took students with her,” Primeau
said.

Primeau said his first encounter with Mills was when he was granted tenure
status.

“I received a note from her wishing me congratulations and welcoming
me,” he said. “It was very warm and welcoming.”

Mills worked for CMU for more than 30 years, and also was a published poet
who enjoyed working with students.

“We remember Maureen Mills for her lifelong engagement with learning,
always reading something and eager to share it; for the personal interest,
she took in her students; and particularly for her wit, humor, loyalty to her
friends and generosity,” English Professor Mary Obuchowski said in a written
statement.

Mills was preceded in death with both of her parents. She is survived by her
brother, Herbert Mills, nieces Sarah and Lydia Mills and a nephew, Jonathan
Burke, all of San Francisco.

“She was a very good friend to our children. It’s sad because they
hadn’t seen her in a while before she died,” Primeau said. “She
threw great dinner parties. She was a great cook, hostess and guest.

“I will miss her. She was a good friend,” he said.