Mildred A. “Millie” (Baran) Counter, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025. She was 87.

Millie was born in Holyoke in 1938, the eldest of three daughters to the late Louis F. Baran and Julia M. (Milkiewicz) Baran Marshuk. Millie was proud of her Lithuanian heritage and being an alumni of the “Battleship” block in South Holyoke. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1956 and eventually worked as a paraprofessional for students with special needs at both Holyoke High School and Dean Technical High School.

Over the years, Millie enjoyed vacations with family in Wells, Maine and the Florida Keys and travelled to Europe and Australia with her husband. She was an avid fan of all Boston sports teams, especially the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. A great friend to many, Millie had numerous strong friendships that spanned decades. She was especially close to her paternal aunt, the late Veronica Suchocki.

Above all, Millie was devoted to her family. She married the love of her life, George Counter in 1959, and together they raised their two children, Jeffrey and Julianne. She attended countless ice hockey and field hockey games over the years, made the best apple pie on the planet, and later in life enjoyed reading bedtime stories to her grandchildren who lovingly called her Mimi, and spoiling her grand dog, Mallory.

Millie is survived by her husband of 66 years, George Counter, her son, Jeffrey Counter and his wife Kimberly of Holyoke, her daughter Julianne Pantehis and her husband Jarrod of San Diego, CA; three grandchildren, Emma C. Counter, Kaitlin A. Counter, and Finn J. Pantehis; a sister, Barbara Rex of Chicopee and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Millie was predeceased by a sister, Judith Young.

The funeral will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 10:30am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street. Burial will follow at Saint Jerome Cemetery, all in Holyoke. Calling hours will be held on Monday morning from 8:30am to 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Millie to Kate’s Kitchen, 51 Hamilton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040