Dorothy Dottie A. Miller

DOROTHY A. “Dottie” (APPLAN) Miller, 94 of Zelienople, formerly of McCandless & Avalon, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles H. “Ducky” Miller, loving mother of Linda (N. Clay) Cook of Burlington, Wa. and Carole (Richard) Weber of Zelienople, PA., grandmother of Elizabeth (Thomas) Shore of Kirkland, WA. and Jennifer (Matthew) Williams of Snohomish, WA. , great-grandmother of Parker, Katie, Benny and Alex.

Dottie was an accomplished, self-taught organist who used her talent to delight all audiences. She learned to accompany her musician husband, “Ducky” Miller, a local State Farm insurance agent, who was also a professional tenor sax and clarinet player with the Brad Hunt Band and Lee Kelton’s Orchestra. Dottie worked for Trombino Music Center for 25 years both at their Northway Mall and McKnight Rd locations as a salesperson, occasional teacher and entertainer. At the age of 90, she won a local contest sponsored by Roland Music Company and was awarded a trip to Orlando, Fl to compete in the semi-finals. Even though she didn’t win, Dottie “wow-d” the audience and her fellow competitors with her flawless rendition of Glenn Miller’s ‘Moonlight Serenade.’ Dottie volunteered her time to play Christmas music for the Wexford Office of Howard Hanna Real Estate’s annual Chow Chow events for the benefit of Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund. Dottie was an avid sports fan and loved the Pirates and the Steelers. She had a sparkling personality, a ready smile and a quick wit that made her a pleasure to meet and know. One of her biggest joys was her family, who often remarked that she must have been sent here to make other people happy, because she certainly did just that. Dottie will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her and celebrated for a life truly well lived.

Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm in the H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, Inc, 1032 Perry Hwy, Ross Twp, 412-364-4444. A funeral service will be on Tuesday at 12noon in the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank Drs. Grob and Zellweger and all the Hospice professionals and volunteers from Celtic Health Care for their loving care and friendship during this ‘journey.’

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Celtic Health Care, 150 Scharberry Ln, Mars , Pa 16046.

Condolences may be offered at www.brandtfuneralhome.com.