Mrs. Mildred M. Houlding, 92 passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at home with her loving family at her side. Mildred was born in Schriever Louisiana, on July 16, 1922, to parents Ourestile and Ida (Boudreaux) Sonier.
After graduation from high school, Mildred moved to New Orleans where she lived and worked in the textile industry. In 1941, through a mutual friend, Mildred was introduced to Bob Houlding. Shortly after the introduction, World War II broke out and Bob was shipped out to March Air Force Base in Riverside, CA. Lillian Jackalord (known as Auntie) and Mildred drove Bob's car to California. On April 9, 1942, Bob Houlding married Mildred.
Shortly after their marriage, Bob was shipped to the Aleutian Islands. During this time, Mildred moved to Madera and lived with William V. Houlding (Bob's Dad). Mildred began making her life including her longtime friends. Mildred also participated as an Air Raid Lookout spending time in the towers looking out for incoming planes.
After the war ended, Bob was stationed in Clovis New Mexico, where Bob Houlding, Jr., the eldest son was born. Shortly after that, the family moved back to Madera, where Jerry & Michael (sons) were born. Mildred and Bob started the family farm. Mildred worked hard in the fields helping Bob for many years while raising her sons. Mildred and the family lived on the farm until 1977, when the family moved to town. In 1968, Mildred's sons became involved in the family farming and helped to grow the farm together.
Mildred enjoyed keeping a clean house and cooking for her family. She found great joy in entertaining and loved to gamble. Mildred also enjoyed going to Wishon, to Don Pedro, and spending time at her coastal house.
Mildred was proud of her French Cajun heritage and growing up in New Orleans. But most of all, Mildred was proud of her sons, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.
Mildred is proceeded in death by her husband, Bob, parents Ourestile and Ida Sonier, her brother R.J. "Ruffin" Sonier, her sisters Ida Benoit, Jessie Tillman and Lorna Zeringue, all of Louisiana.
She is survived by her 3 sons, Bob Houlding and wife Sandy; Jerry Houlding and wife Louise, both of Madera and Mike Houlding and wife Yvonne of Fresno, CA.
Grandchildren, Todd Houlding and wife Stephanie, Melissa Pistoresi and husband Phillip, David Houlding and friend Martin, Craig Martin and fiancée Julie all of Madera, CA. Courtney Risinger and husband Brian Kim Lauzon and husband Joe, Scott Houlding and wife Cara all of Fresno. There are 15 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and a special caregiver, Reina Hand.
Visitation hours will be on Sunday, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Monday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Jay Chapel. Private services will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at Jay Chapel. Entombment will follow in the Arbor Vitae Mausoleum. Friends are ask to join the family at the Vineyard Restaurant for a Celebration of Mildred's life on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 12:30 PM.
The family request donations to St. Agnes Hospice, Madera County Historical or to the donor's favorite charity.
