Miriam Charlotte (Ranne) Wills died surrounded by family in Melbourne, Florida on August 15, 2020. Miriam was born October 9, 1935 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts the eldest of two children to Carl and Martha (Boutilier) Ranne.
In 2007, she lost her husband of 50 years, Robert “Bob” Wills; She is survived by her children, Robin Denis (Peter) of Seattle, Washington, Bruce Wills (Jeanne Hakkila-Wills) of Melbourne, Florida; grandchildren, Alex Wills (Jenner Tiscareno), Devon Denis, Rowan Denis, Mackenzie and John Wills; her first great-grandson Wyatt Wills; and brother, Carl Lee (Martha) Ranne of Ohio.
Miriam grew up in Lunenburg, Massachusetts graduating from Lunenburg High School in 1953 where she was honored with the highest award for athletic achievement “The White Jacket.” She met and married Robert “Bob” Wills in 1957 while attending Fitchburg State College. She graduated in 1957 with a BSE in Elementary Education and became a career teacher for over 30 years ending her career at Rice Elementary School. She was an active member of the choir at First Congregational Church in Holden, Massachusetts and then later at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Melbourne, Florida. Bob and Miriam retired to Florida in 1994.
Miriam was an avid reader, musician, and grandchild enthusiast. She was often seen at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s basketball games, concerts, and plays supporting her grandchildren or in church with her family. She loved to go to the gym, spend mornings by the pool, and read in the afternoon. “Nana” was a favorite at holidays for her cranberry salad and chocolate trifle. She also loved her bi-annual trips to see family in Seattle and was especially fond of her mother-daughter trips to Cannon Beach, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy Scholarship fund. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 26 at 10:00 am at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Wills family.
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