Millie Nausieda, 94, of Wayland, died in her sleep at her home Sunday.

She was born in Mystic, Iowa, in 1925 into the coal mining family of Virl and Bina Gillaspie. The family relocated to Kalamazoo in the 1940s. They became a paper making family when her mother, Bina, became a paper tester at Monarch Paper Mill. As her father suffered with black lung from his years in the coal mines, Virl lost his battle as a young man and several family members also went on to work at the paper mill – including Millie, before she went on to work at the Upjohn Company.

Millie is survived by her daughters Mary Lynn and Karen (Jeff) Barnes; grandchildren Megan (Jason) Montalto and Jason (Heather) Barnes; and great-granddaughter, Alexis, who were her greatest joys in life.

Millie was preceded in death by her loving parents Virl and Bina Gillaspie; sisters Ruth (Edgar) West and Frances (Dick) Mendham; and little brother, Paul.

The family will hold a private mass at Saint Cyril & Methodious Church, where she volunteered for many years at fish fries, retreats and gave communion to Catholics at the local nursing home.