Patricia "Patti" Mary Miller

Patricia (“Patti”) Mary Miller—a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend—passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 11, 2025, in Marietta, Georgia, from a ruptured aorta. She lived a vibrant, faith-filled life centered on her family and love for others and with a spiritual readiness for eternity.

Born Sept. 6, 1950, in Oak Park, IL, Patti was the eldest of three children of Jim and Claire Ruspino. Raised in a loving Catholic home in Crosby, MN and Saint Joseph, MI, Patti’s family prioritized education. She attended an all-girls Catholic school, which laid the foundation for her faith. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1972, Patti began her career as an elementary school teacher in Saint Joseph, where her passion for children and education blossomed. God opened the door for her to earn a Master of Religious Education, with a focus on pastoral ministry, from Loyola University New Orleans in 1997. This was a huge milestone in her life-long participation in God’s Salvation History.

In 1973, Patti met Brady Miller, the love of her life, on a blind date arranged by her roommate. Their whirlwind romance led to an engagement seven months later on Valentine’s Day and marriage on August 16, 1974. Beginning a union of devotion and adventure, they “followed the sun” across the country as Brady pursued a professional golf career before settling in Duluth, GA in 1978. Despite medical advice that children might not be possible, Patti and Brady were blessed with three children—a testament to her renewed trust in God’s providence.

Patti’s life was a living reflection of the “little way” of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: doing small things with great love as a faithful servant of the Lord. She poured herself into her family, raising her children with devotion while Brady traveled for work. Patti’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her home as she obediently followed God’s calling to combine her love of children and teaching while deepening her faith. She helped start a preschool program in her church, became certified as parenting instructor, worked in public and private elementary and preschools, was actively involved in Bible Study Fellowship for years, and began leading women’s Bible studies as early as 1983.

Faith was the cornerstone of Patti’s life. She served as the Director of Religious Education at St. John Neumann Catholic Church where she and a small team of dedicated women founded a Women’s Catholic Bible Study that continues to nurture faith in women to this day, some 25 years later. Patti was also an active parishioner at the Catholic Church of Saint Ann and Holy Family Catholic Church. Her warmth, wisdom, and faithfulness helped bring many people closer to God. She lived her calling daily and began every morning in prayer, lifting up family and friends by name, asking God to protect, guide, and bless them. Selfless and thoughtful, she was always caring for others—whether through her words, her actions, or her steadfast presence. Those who knew her felt the light of her faith and the depth of her kindness. She had a tremendous impact on all she encountered and brought many hearts closer to Jesus, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual strength and grace.

Affectionately called “Honey” by her seven grandchildren, Patti was deeply devoted to, and adored by, her family. Patti’s children and grandchildren know her enduring love for them as she lived it and spoke it into their being weekly at every opportunity. She rarely missed a chance, big or small, to be present in their lives, whether cheering from the sidelines, attending school events, celebrating milestones, shepherding their sacramental preparation, or creating quiet, meaningful moments. Sharing her faith with them was a natural conversation, as Patti had a unique and special bond with each. Her home was a haven for frequent and large family gatherings. She often said, “I never even dreamed to ask God for such a blessing.” The blessings extend beyond her immediate family to the friends of her children.

Relationships were Patti’s treasure. She cherished her two sisters and their families, who were consistently top of mind. Patti held her children’s spouses and their families close. She found friendship and formed close bonds within her Bible study communities, which fed her soul. Patti was easy to know and love; she was a friend and confidant, encourager, and faith sharer. Patti inspires and endures in the hearts of all who knew her.

Her hobbies reflected her appreciation for God’s creation and an active lifestyle. Patti delighted in birdwatching at the house, visiting the Chattahoochee Nature Center with grandchildren, relaxing by the beach and lake, walking with Brady, dancing, and gathering produce and flowers from the garden.

Patti will be greatly missed by her loving husband, Brady Miller; her children Jennifer Baker (husband Ryan and children Ethan and Miles), James Aaron Miller (wife Rebecca and children Landen and Jordan), and Rebecca Beane (husband Brian and children Madison, Colmore, and Brady); her sisters Susan Hayes of Charlotte, NC (husband Roger and children Katie and William), and Catherine Ruspino Radford of Sydney, Australia (husband James and children Kaitlyn and Samantha); and her cousins Dale Ruspino of Austin, TX, Nancy Germany of Ocean Springs, MS, Elaine Soderling of Blaine, MN.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James G. and Clara M. Ruspino, and her cousins Jaime Gregus, Christopher Gregus, and Gary Gregus.

Patti’s life will be remembered and celebrated on Friday, November 21, 2025, starting with a Rosary at 11:30am, a Funeral Mass at 12:00pm (which will be live streamed and recorded for later viewing) and a reception from 1:00pm - 2:30pm in the Parish Center. All services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3401 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068, 770-973-0038.

A Rite of Committal will be held privately on November 24, 2025, at the Catholic Church of St. Ann.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to IFOPA.org, Holy Family Catholic Church or Catholic Church of St. Ann.

Funeral services are provided by H.M. Patterson & Son – Canton Hill Chapel, 1157 Old Canton Rd, Marietta, GA 30068, 770-977-9485.