Mildred H Desser

Mildred H. Desser, age 99, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in the loving home of her daughter in Martinsburg, WV. She was born on July 30, 1926, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Lottie Blackmond and Theodore Hoffman.

Mildred married Richard J. Desser on September 2, 1946, and together they shared over 60 devoted years of marriage until his passing. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard J. Desser; her sons David and Terrance Desser; and her grandchildren Trevor Eback and Jennifer Neal.

She is survived by her children: Timothy Desser (MaryJo) of Lafayette, Indiana; Dale Desser (Brenda) of Erie, Pennsylvania; Susan Desser of Winchester, Virginia; Sandra Atkins (Earnest d) of Martinsburg, West Virginia; and Jill Broaddus (Lee d) of Martinsburg, West Virginia. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Mildred always wanted a large family and cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She retired from Sears, after which she enjoyed an active and fulfilling retirement in Leesburg, Florida. There, she was an avid reader, socialized often with friends, lovingly loomed hats for babies, created beautiful ceramic pieces for her family, and volunteered her time at the local food bank.

Mildred will be remembered for her devotion to family, her generosity, and the quiet joy she found in caring for others. Her life spanned nearly a century, and her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, January 17 at 1:00 PM at McGivney Hall (Knights of Columbus) behind St. Leo’s Catholic Church; 2019 Sulphur Springs Road Inwood, WV 25428. The family will hold a mass and burial service in Erie, PA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of the Panhandle at 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430