Mary Elizabeth Miller

Mary was born on March 6, 1928 in Rialto, California. She survived several near-death experiences as a child and young woman, including being in a car hit by a train and contracting polio at age 24 while pregnant. These and other experiences forged a character of compassion, optimism and resilience which shaped her life and relationships forever.

An accomplished pianist and organist, Mary spent a lifetime playing the piano and organ for churches, choirs, and soloists in San Bernardino, Rosemead, Garden Grove, Oceanside, California as well as in Fertile, Iowa and Minneapolis, Minnesota. She accompanied the Valley Junior High “Show Stoppers” in Carlsbad, and played for the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base Chapel as well. In later years, she played at the senior living facilities where she lived.

Mary was loved not only for her musical gifts, but also for her ever-present smile and her exceptional kindness and warmth. She made everyone feel special—especially those she perceived as “new” or needing a friend. Her faith, virtue, fortitude and care for others were a source of inspiration to all.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Richard L. “Dick” Miller; by her son, Richard “Rick” Miller; by her parents, Andrew and Verba (Shaddy) Boatman; and by her brothers Don Earl, Russell, and John Boatman, and her sister, Nadine Rotolo.

She is survived by her sister, Janet VanMeetren; her daughter Cinda Carr; her son John Miller and wife Charlene Underhill Miller; her son Rick’s surviving spouse, Annita Miller; her grandchildren: Ryan Carr; David, Jason, and Monty Miller; James Miller, Darrell Greenage and Matthew Miller; ten great-grandchildren; and three great- great-grandchildren.

Mary and Dick welcomed many others into their home and family over the years, including foreign exchange student Ans Gorter who, like so many others, became her life-long friend.

A memorial service will take place at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside on January 4 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.