Alda M. Miller

Alda May Miller, age 95, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026. She was born on May 5, 1931, in Spanish Town, Jamaica, to Ethel Colebrook and Hayman Ford. She was the youngest of five children, all of whom preceded her in death.

Alda grew up in Spanish Town, where she received her early education at St. Catherine Elementary School. From a young age, she demonstrated a deep love of learning and a natural commitment to helping others. After passing the Third Year Local Examination, she was appointed as a “Probationer,” assisting in the classroom and supporting her teachers. She continued in that role until leaving for college in Kingston.

Service was a defining theme throughout Alda’s life. She devoted much of her time to children and was deeply involved in Girl Guiding, known as Girl Scouts in the United States. She served as a Girl Guide Captain for older girls and as a Brown Owl for younger girls. She also taught folk dancing to children who were not involved in guiding. Her days were full, and even after work she often did not return home until nearly six o’clock pm. Yet, despite her busy schedule, she still made time to visit the sick and those who were unable to leave their homes.

Alda attended St. Joseph’s Teachers’ Training College, where she became a Third Order Franciscan, a commitment to faith and service that remained an important part of her life. She graduated in 1954 and began her teaching career at St. Anthony Senior High School, where she worked for 13 years. During this time, she met Robert Miller, whom she married, and together they welcomed four children.

In 1969, Alda and her children migrated to the United States to join Robert, who had traveled ahead to prepare for the family’s arrival. Soon after settling in New York, Alda found a spiritual home at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Wyandanch.

When her marriage ended, Alda faced the tremendous challenge of raising four young children on her own in a new country. With determination, faith, and an unwavering trust in God, she persevered.

Because she was initially unable to teach in New York due to certification requirements, Alda began working as a Teacher’s Aide in the Wyandanch school system while continuing her education. She was accepted into Dowling College, where she received credit from her Jamaican college transcript and accelerated her education by attending summer and winter sessions. Through her extraordinary dedication, she completed her bachelor’s degree in just two years.

She then continued her studies at Adelphi University, once again attending year-round. In only three years, she completed her graduate and post-graduate studies and earned a master’s degree in special education.

In 1978, Alda began her career with the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) as a Teacher 3 at Bernard Fineson State School in Howard Beach where she remained for six years. She later transitioned to the Long Island Developmental Disabilities Service Office in Melville. Beginning in June 1985; she worked in Building 17 at Long Island Developmental Center and later served as Developmental Specialist 3 in the Hicksville Day Program. She retired in May 2001 after 23 years of dedicated State service.

Retirement, however, did not mean retirement from service. Alda returned to volunteering through her church, assisting with the Ryan Outreach program and teaching religious education. She helped members of her community with shopping and transportation to doctors’ appointments and opened her home to families in need until they were able to secure housing of their own.

As the years passed and medical challenges required her to slow down, Alda gradually had to give up driving, teaching religious education, and lecturing. Even then, she continued to sing in her church choir—not because she considered herself a singer, but because she loved praising God and being part of her church community.

Alda lived a life marked by faith, perseverance, generosity, and service. She gave freely of her time, her talents, her home, and her heart. Her compassion touched countless lives, and the lessons she taught through her words and, more importantly, through the way she lived, will continue through the generations she leaves behind.

She is survived by her four children, Lovell Angeline, Roland Alexander, Rozanno Alexis, and Alford St. John, along with her daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Gail, and sons-in-law, John Joseph and the late Paul Kenneth.

She leaves behind grandchildren Christopher, Alexis, and Aaron, and was preceded in death by her beloved grandson Andrew. She also leaves behind a host of extended family members, friends, former students, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched.

Alda’s life was a testament to what can be accomplished through faith, courage, hard work, and an enduring commitment to others.

May she rest peacefully in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served faithfully throughout her life.

Visitation will be held at Claude R. Boyd-Caratozzolo Funera Home, 448 W. Main Street, Babylon, NY 11702 on Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:30 PM and 7:00 - 9:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal R.C. Church, Wyandanch, NY at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Washington Memorial Park, Mt. Sainai, NY.

For those who are unable to attend in person, Alda's Funeral Mass will be livestreamed beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Family and friends are invited to join the service online using the following link:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c2608572189417

May she rest in heavenly peace with her Lord and Savior.