Patricia J. Miller

Patricia Joan Miller (nee Sardo) of San Antonio, Texas entered eternal rest on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the age of 81. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Teresa Sardo, her brother John R. Sardo,his wife Mary Jane Sardo (nee Hendricks), her infant nephew, Frank Anthony Sardo, and her nephew Robert Jackson. Pat is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years, Merlin R. Miller, her loving sister Teresa Sardo, nieces Terry Corser, Rena Buley (Mark), Ellie Maxwell (Greg), Ginger Jackson and nephew Michael Sardo (Shannan), 13 great-nieces and nephews, and 3 great-great nieces, as well as numerous other family and a lifetime of friends.

She was born on June 10, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, where she lived until the age of six when her family moved to San Antonio. She grew up in a proud Italian household where a three-course Sunday meal was a required family tradition. As a young girl, she enjoyed Girl Scout Camp, was a lifeguard at the neighborhood pool, and won second place in sewing contest during high school.

Pat completed 12 years of Catholic education when she graduated from Providence High School in May 1962. She continued her education at Our Lady of the Lake University, earning her Bachelor of Science in 1966, and later a Master of Education. Pat taught 5th grade until she moved to New Jersey in 1970 where she taught 6th and 3rd grades before returning to San Antonio in 1973 where she continued teaching the 5th grade. In 1978, she left the classroom and became a visiting teacher. She retired from education in summer 1984.

On December 10, 1982, at the age of 39, she met the love of her life, Merlin R. Miller, on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. They were engaged 5 months later and married on November 25, 1983.

During their years together they enjoyed extensive travels in the United States and to several countries in Europe, especially Sicily. She loved road trips and cruises. On a trip to the Holy Land, she and Merlin renewed their marriage vows on August 9, 2019, in Cana of Galilee.

Pat enjoyed her family and friends, always eager to get together for any occasion. She felt honored to care for her mother, Teresa Sardo, until her mother passed in 1988. Pat was a devout Catholic, rarely missing Sunday Mass, even while on vacation. Pat participated in Bible studies and volunteered for Mobile Loaves and Fishes at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, making many thousands of peanut butter sandwiches over the years. Pat was a lifelong member and officer of her sorority, Kappa Sigma Phi, the Woods of Shavano Garden Club, and The San Antonio CPA Auxiliary. She enjoyed participating in their many worthwhile projects and more importantly, she cherished the friendships she made with the members. Pat was an avid reader, devouring books and magazines. She loved to play bridge and was very good at it. Her nephew, Greg Maxwell, would frequently tease her, asking, “How much did you win today at bridge, $3?” In contrast, Pat also loved to brake for garage sales!

The family would like to thank Pat’s niece Terry Corser for her diligent support as well as the loving care provided by the staff at Freedom House Memory Care, and for the compassion shown by all during Pat’s final days.

Her life and legacy will be celebrated on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Road, San Antonio, Texas. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation with the family at 10:30 a.m. with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 11:00 a.m., followed by Mass of the Resurrection at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to a reception following Mass. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Pilgrim Center of Hope at www.pilgrimcenterofhope.org or a charity of your choosing.