Friday, April 4, 2025 was Graduation Day for Harriet Dee Milby, 78, of Dillwyn, VA. She passed away peacefully at the University of Virginia with her three sons, Lori and Heather lovingly kneeling by her side. Her love and cherished memories will remain in our hearts forever; she was indeed one of a kind.

Harriet was born on November 14, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Harmon and Gladys Thompson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Panco; three nephews, and eight fur babies, Rainey, Cole, Katie, Abby Bernice, Lexie, Sophie, Ellie, and Mei Ling.

She is survived by her three sons, Craig Milby (Sherry), Todd Milby (Lori), Scott Milby (Heather); and two fur baby daughters, Coco and Maggie; two granddaughters, Alysa and Rachel; her sisters, Sharon Gamble and Sandy Hibbs, nieces and a nephew. Harriet also had a foster daughter, Mary-Ellen, who was a bright light in her life.

A proud graduate of Ridley Park High School, Harriet dedicated 24 years of service to the State of Delaware before retiring in 2004. Throughout her career, she also held numerous other roles (often two or three at a time!) with Avon, Home Interiors, toll collector on I-95, and various retail positions. While she took pride in her professional achievements, she believed her greatest accomplishment was raising her three sons, ensuring they grew to be capable, responsible individuals prepared for life’s challenges.

Harriet had a passion for gardening and crafts, including beading and ceramics, and found great joy in giving to others. She made it a priority to make Christmas and birthdays special for her loved ones. She loved to shop, but almost always came home with more for others than herself.

A fiercely loyal individual, Harriet was a vocal and passionate advocate for those in need, including animals. She viewed it as her duty to support charitable causes and regularly contributed to animal rescues and veterans’ organizations, even mailing Christmas cards to veterans, and delivering gifts to nursing home residents.

On the morning Harriet left home for a doctor’s appointment, Todd arrived to find her washing her dishes. She had more try in her than most. Two hours later, she was admitted to the ICU and forty-four days after that she would rejoin her fur babies who have crossed the rainbow bridge.

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