Nilda Havner

Nilda Monroig Havner passed away peacefully, Thursday, March 17th, in St Louis Missouri. She was born January 16, 1929 in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, one of ten children of Gregorio and Francisca Monroig Otero. She received her degree in Medical Technology from the University of Puerto Rico. In 1952 she married Curtis Lee Havner, who was in the Navy, stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. As President of a social club, Nilda organized parties for servicemen who would come to San Juan on duty and R&R. They lived briefly in Curt's home town of Morgantown West Virginia before moving to St Louis Missouri where they were both employed at McDonald Douglas Aircraft. From there, they moved to Columbia Missouri where Curt earned a degree in Engineering from the University of Missouri while Nilda worked at the University Hospital in pediatric research. During this time they were blessed with two boys, Erich born in 1958 and Emil born in 1960. After being away from her beloved island, the Havners relocated to Bayamon, Puerto Rico to be near Nilda's family. There, she was employed as one of very few female car sales persons and also a daughter, Wanda joined the family in 1962. After moving back to St Louis, a second daughter, Sonya was born in 1968. Nilda resumed her work as a laboratory technologist at two area hospitals, where she retired in 1995 after forty plus years of service. To experience a rural lifestyle, they moved their family to a small hobby farm near Elsberry Missouri where she was a very involved member in Pike and Lincoln County communities. She was involved in her children's activities; 4-H, Girl Scouts, Band, church and sports. She led parent organizations such as PTA, Annada Mother's Club and Prom events. Always an outspoken, innovative leader, she was active in garden club, museum, library and other service organizations in the community. Along with working full time with an hour commute, raising four children and maintaining a home and small farm, with garden, cows, horses, chickens, rabbits, dogs, cats and a token pig or goat, Nilda was the neighborhood caregiver. Keeping an eye not only on the elderly, but anyone who might need a bit of support during a tough time, was natural for her. She truly" Lived Christ" in her life in so many ways. Many counted on Nilda's positive energy and giving spirit.Everyone will remember her amazing culinary skills, hospitality and selflessness. Traveling to visit family in Alaska, Spain, Switzerland and Puerto Rico were adventures that she always looked forward to. Most recently she lived in Custer, South Dakota to be near her daughters. Nilda is survived by her sons Erich Havner, of Anchorage Alaska and Emil (Brenda Rae Coor) Havner of Palmer Alaska, her daughters Wanda (Jon) Dahlstrom of St Louis Missouri and Sonya (JB) Atkins of Broken Bow Nebraska; her grandchildren, Ariadna Havner Ruiz, Zachary Havner, Byron, Victoria and Olivia Dahlstrom and Jayde Atkins; numerous nephews and nieces. There are many extended and adoptive family members and friends from around the world who will miss her as well. She departs this world to be in the company of, among others, her siblings, her husband, Curtis Havner and grandson, Sterling Atkins. Interment will be back "home" with Curtis at Bayamon, Puerto Rico; Cemetario Porta Coeli. A memorial service will be held in St Louis at a date to be specified later.