AUGUSTA - Mildred M. French, 83, died Thursday, April 29, 2004, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, after a long illness. She was born in Palermo on Nov. 17, 1920, the daughter of the late Ralph and Harriet (Jordan) Young. Mildred grew up in Palermo and eventually moved to Augusta. She attended Palermo School and was a 1938 graduate of Cony High School. She was employed as a legal secretary for the legal firm of Burleigh & Robert Martin, and later in the same capacity for Dan and George Wathen. Mildred enjoyed life to its fullest, with her greatest passions being her children, grandchildren, dancing and her animal pals. She was a beautiful person inside and out, capturing such titles as Miss Augusta, Miss Island Park and Miss Old Orchard Beach. Those whom she loved, and those who loved her, will always remember her for being a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, and she will be lovingly missed. Mildred was predeceased by her parents, and a brother and sister, Frederick and Katherine Young. She is survived by her husband, Elmore W. French, of Augusta; a son, Jeffrey French and his wife, Dianna, of McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.; two daughters, April St. Pierre and her husband, Bob, and Kelsie French and her husband, Mike Morrison, all of Augusta; a brother and sister, Roidmond Young of Augusta and Sylvia Marson of Augusta; six grandchildren, Crystal Curtis, Derek Sullivan, Jesse Morrison, Dylan Morrison, Gregg French and Taylor French; close friends Ruth Bradley of Hallowell, Debbey French of Augusta, and Irene Rioux and Joannie Ives (Coopie), both of Massachusetts; her special companion pet, Gigi; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Friday at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, with the Rev. Dennis Snelling officiating. The family wishes donations in Mildred's memory be sent to Kennebec Valley Humane Society, Pet Haven Lane, Augusta.