Mildred Ann Nelson Venables passed away on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014. Mildred was born in Chester, Pa. on Nov. 30, 1926, and spent most of her life in Upland and Aston, Pa. She was an accomplished dance instructor, model and a friend to children and animals alike. She was the mom handing out candy, popsicles and drinks from her back door on Griffith Street in Upland and the lady helping animals in need. Mildred was also an avid Philadelphia sports fan. The Eagles and Phillies have lost a cheerleader this week. She was predeceased by her parents, Herman and Aldred Nelson (originally from Crisfield, Md.); sister, Alice N. Lafferty; brothers, Oris Nelson, Carroll Nelson, Roy Nelson and Ronald Nelson. Mildred will be dearly missed by her daughter, Alice Martinelli; granddaughter, Jacqueline Kalil; her son-in-law, Robert Martinelli; and extended friends and family in Delaware County, Pa. and Yonkers, N.Y. She will also be missed by lifelong friends, Florence McClintock and Jeanne Scarpato, who were always there to help and cheer her on. Betsy Bittner and family of Aston will also miss the friend they helped for years. Mildred most recently found a great friend in Judy Graham, who joined her loved ones in helping her fight the Lymphoma battle. If love alone could heal….both Betsy and Judy would have made this obituary unnecessary at this time! Mildred was also very thankful for her friendship with Donnie and Gail Mangino and the unending love and care they provided to her and her beloved cat Gizmo. The family would like to thank all of these wonderful folks who helped enrich and extend the life of this wonderfully strong woman. The family would also like to thank Dr. Mamerto Lebita and staff for providing years of excellent health care, Dr. Andrew Solan and staff, the loving care providers at Delaware Hospice, Heartland Hospice and Griswold Home Care and the many others too numerous to mention. A celebration of the life for Mildred was held on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014 at CHANDLER FUNERAL HOME, 2506 CONCORD PIKE, WILMINGTON, DE 19803. Burial was private on Friday at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Mildred to the Delaware Humane Association, the First State Animal Center and SPCA, or your favorite animal care organization, as animal care and protection was her passion! For online condolences, please visit Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory chandlerfuneralhome.com 302.478.7100