Cecilia Maria Miller

Cecilia Maria Miller (née Yannuzzi), 81, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born on February 20, 1944, in Staten Island, New York, Cecilia lived a life defined by devotion—to her faith, her family, and her community.

Cecilia pursued a career rooted in compassion and service. After graduating as Salutatorian from Kulpmont High School, she obtained her RN certification from the Geisinger School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education from Wilkes University, and later a Master’s degree in Health Science with a focus on community health promotion from Georgia Southern University–Armstrong Campus. Her academic path reflected her unwavering commitment to the well-being of others and laid the foundation for a life spent helping those around her.

Professionally, Cecilia worked as a nurse in several medical offices before finding true fulfillment in combining her love of teaching with healthcare. She went on to educate the next generation of medical professionals as a community college instructor.

Weekends often found her in the world of gymnastics, where she discovered a unique calling. As a women’s gymnastics judge with Elite-level credentials, she served the sport with distinction for several decades. Her judging career began in Pennsylvania and extended through Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. Known for her precision and integrity, she earned widespread respect within the gymnastics community.

Cecilia was also deeply involved in the lives of her five children—David, Kathryn, Gregory, Adrienne, and Julie. During their formative years, she volunteered extensively at their schools in various roles. Her steady presence offered encouragement and support that shaped their lives profoundly. She was often called “Mom” by all of her children’s friends as well as the girls under her tutelage in the gymnastics arena.

A devout Catholic, Cecilia was most recently an active member of Holy Infant Church in Durham, North Carolina. She gave generously of her time through ministries such as Stephen Ministry and Yarn Ministry and participated in numerous other volunteer efforts within the church community.

Her warmth left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Cecilia was known for her kind-heartedness, unconditional love and comforting hugs—simple gestures that conveyed deep love and care. Among her most treasured moments were those spent with her grandchildren: making meatballs together, letting them paint her face during Camp Nonna, attending Grandparents Day at their schools, performing “major surgery” on beloved stuffies—memories that will be cherished for generations.

Remaining to cherish Cecilia’s memory are her children: David (Marina) Miller, Kathryn Miller, Gregory (Carolyn) Miller, Adrienne (Michael) Phelps, and Julie (Walter) Marshall; her grandchildren: Delaney, Harrison, Olivia, Leah, Connor, Claire, and Maisie; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth. Her legacy continues through the lives of her children and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Apex, NC on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Memorials or donations may be made to Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, NC (www.transitionslifecare.org