Obituary of Mildred Daigneault
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mildred "Millie" (Schap) Daigneault, who passed away on July 6, 2026, at the age of 94.
Millie was born on August 4, 1931, in Danielson, CT to John and Julia (Zajac) Schap. She attended St James School and Killingly High School class of 1949. Millie was a very good athlete in high school participating in basketball (Championship Team her Junior Year), volleyball, majorettes, bowling and badminton.
On September 16, 1950, she married her beloved husband Raymond "Pete" Daigneault at St James Church. They spent most of their married life in Brooklyn, Connecticut, where they built a loving home and a life centered on family, friendship and service to others.
Millie was a strong, independent woman whose warmth, generosity and lively spirit made her the heart of any gathering. She was always quick with a compliment, eager to lend a helping hand and never missed an opportunity to share her homemade Polish dishes and desserts—often accompanied by her familiar command to "EAT!" Her kindness and sense of fun brought joy to everyone around her.
A devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, Millie especially loved spending time with children. She had a special gift for making them smile, whether through a simple game, a small gift, or an unexpected treat. To her great-grandchildren, she was affectionately known as "Great Grandma Marshmallow Millie," because she always had a package of marshmallows ready for them.
Millie worked at Prym's Manufacturing as a packer and later at Friendly Bowl, where she worked at the front desk and in the daycare program, proudly wearing her favorite "The Boss" sweatshirt. Never one to slow down, she continued working well into her late 80s as a homemaker with Quality Homemakers before finally retiring.
Millie is survived by her daughter Deborah Gilbert; her son Raymond Daigneault and his wife Kathleen; her grandchildren Kelly, Jonathan, Justin Gilbert, Douglas and Matthew Daigneault; and her six great-grandchildren Andrew Chappell, Evan, Carter, Sawyer, Menden, and Calla Gilbert. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
In addition to her husband Pete, Millie was predeceased by her sisters Helen Deloge, Stacia Zadora, and Wanda Labrec and by her brothers Rudolph and Stanley Schap and her son in law James Gilbert.
Millie will be remembered for her strength, her generosity, her unwavering love for family and the joy she brought to everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the traditions she passed down and the countless memories shared around her table.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
A special thanks to the staff at Matulaitis Nursing Home for the care they provided to Millie over the last six years.
Calling Hours are Monday, July 20, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. James Church, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson, CT, burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson, CT. Share a memory at Gagnonandcostellofh.com