New AlbanyHedden, Mildred "Midge" G.,99 passed away Friday, April 7, 2017 in Fort Worth, TX. Mildred was born on May 18, 1917, in New Albany to John A. and Nellie Gadient and was the middle child of three children. After graduating from New Albany High School in 1935, Mildred attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana and graduated with honors in 1939. Mildred also earned a master's degree in education from Indiana University Southeast in 1973. In 1941, "Midge" was hired as an English teacher by the New Albany school system, and in 1943, Mildred married a fellow teacher, Robert (Bob) Byrn, also of New Albany. They had three children, Steve (Sally), Jim (Linda) and Anne (Stuart). Midge returned to teaching in 1960 at what was then the new Scribner Junior High School. Sadly, in 1969, Bob, who was the assistant superintendent of the Floyd County School System died of a massive heart attack. Mildred continued to teach, earned her master's degree and began her love of travel. Many former students remember her as an impactful and outstanding educator. She retired from teaching in 1978In 1979, she married William "Bill" Hedden, who had been recently widowed. Bill was born in New Albany, but had moved to Kansas after World War II and owned a video production company. Midge moved to Prairie Village, KS, with Bill and his four, young adult children, where she resided for three years until his death from pancreatic cancer in 1982.At that time, she moved back to New Albany and enjoyed travel, volunteering at Interfaith Council, and visiting her children. She took many trips throughout the world to Europe, China, Australia, and Russia. She also traveled throughout the United States and loved to explore the cultural events at Chautauqua in upstate New York. Midge especially treasured summers at Crystal Lake near Frankfort, Michigan with her children, grandchildren and extended family. In recent years, Midge moved from New Albany to be near her children in Muncie, Indiana and then to Fort Worth. Reading, walks, crossword puzzles and retirement center activities filled her later years. Throughout her life, Midge and her family were active members of St. Mark's United Church of Christ. Mildred is survived by Bob's sister, Dorothy Byrn, three children, four step-children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 27, at 11 a.m. at the Oak Street Chapel of Seabrook Dieckmann and Naville funeral homes (1846 E. Oak Street: New Albany). Visitation will be 10 - 11 a.m. Saturday before the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Mission Fund at St. Mark's United Church of Christ, 222 E. Spring St., New Albany, IN, 47150.