VAN HORN Mildred E. Malpas Van Horn departed this life on October 1, 2007 in Jacksonville, FL after a fight against Alzheimer's. She had celebrated her 89th birthday on September 7th. Mildred, known better as Midge, was born in Muskegon, Michigan to Frederica C. and Ellis G. Malpas. She grew up in Muskegon with her parents and sister, Helen Maplas Connell. Midge attended Sullins Girls School in Bristol, VA and later went to New York to study photography. In 1939 she married John (Jack) Van Horn, a Drexel graduate from Philadelphia. A career with RCA moved them to Camden, NJ. They came to Orlando, FL in 1950 and Jack went to work for Minute Maid (Coca Cola). In 1968, they were transferred to Houston, TX, but returned to the Orlando area for Jack's retirement in 1977. They loved being back with all of their friends. Everything Midge did was a reflection of her love for family and friends. She was always focused on helping. She was a long time member of the Alter Guild at St. Michael's Episcopal Church and a volunteer at ORMC for many years. Her hobbies included gardening and cooking, but her very favorite pastime was bridge and she was good! Midge was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, in 2004. She is survived by her sister, Helen Connell and husband Dan (LA), her son, John E. Van Horn and wife Penny, her daughter Helen L. Butler and her husband, Joe. Her grandchildren are Joseph P. Butler, III (Liz), John Christopher Van Horn (Kim), Rebecca A. Patrick (Haden), Marget Van Horn Maurer (Eric) and John Warren Butler. They will attest to her love of fun and adventure. Gram never tired of taking them to theme parks, movies and for “night time swims.” She was known as “GG” to her great-grandchildren, Ethan, Lindsey, Andrew, Ashley and Kate. Mildred will best be remembered for her smile and love of people. She was the consummate hostess. We will all miss her very much. The family would like to thank the people at Claire Bridge for their care and friendship. They became a second family and made such a difference in her everyday life. Also, thanks to Community Hospice for helping to make Mother more comfortable in these last weeks. There will be a Memorial Service to honor Mildred E. Van Horn on Sunday, October 21, 2007, 12 Noon at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2499 North West Moreland Drive, Orlando, FL. The family asks that in lieu of flowers you give to your favorite charity. Arrangements by HARDAGE- GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 950 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com