NAPA - On Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, a very special woman by the name of Aileen Madeline Migdal passed away at the age of 85.

Aileen was born in South Haven, Mich., on Nov. 1, 1922, to Guy and Marguerite Paquin. She spent most of her early childhood in South Haven and often told stories about the trouble she and her brothers and sister would get into on the farm. After graduating high school in 1939 from South Haven High, she attended college at Western Michigan College of Education and later received her BA from Cal State LA in 1965. She received her master’s degree in education from Azusa Pacific College in 1974.

Before becoming a teacher, she joined the U.S. Navy where she met her husband, Theodore Migdal. Aileen and Ted were married on July 14, 1944, in Pensacola, Fla. Shortly after, she moved to Akron, Ohio, where she stayed until 1954, and then moved to Covina.

Aileen raised her family in Covina from 1954 to 1983. She was a passionate elementary school teacher, devoted member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, and a dedicated wife and mother to her three children spending many a summer fishing and camping with her family in Sequoia National Park, a place her whole family has come to hold very dear to their hearts.

Aileen became a Napa resident in 1983. She became an active and treasured member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Napa, participating in choir and lay Eucharistic ministry. She was also a museum docent for a local historical society. Her need to learn never ceased, as she attended Napa College into her retirement, and her need to teach never faded, as she was an avid volunteer in the Napa school system.

Aileen is survived by her three sons: David Migdal of Napa, Ted (Sue) Migdal of Napa and Jeff (Kathleen) Migdal of Rocklin. She is also survived by her sister Pat (Joe) Rapp of Michigan; sisters-in-law Frances Migdal of Ohio and Martha Migdal of Florida and three granddaughters: Nicki, Megan and Natalie.

Aileen will be remembered for her witty, clever sense of humor and laugh, her strong will and passion for learning, her love of the arts and her faith in God. She is incredibly missed but will live on in stories, remembrances and prayer.

In the words of Aileen herself, “Life is all about love,” and loved we all were by such an amazing woman.

A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, at 2 p.m., at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1917 Third St., Napa, CA 94559.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage those wishing to do so to donate to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church or Napa Valley Education Foundation at 2425 Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94558.

Arrangements are under the care of Richard Pierce Funeral Service, 1660 Silverado Trail, Napa. Family and friends are invited to send condolences online at www.rpfsc.com.