Berbeli "Marianne" Miles

Berbeli Marianne Miles was born on December 1, 1945, in Pargas, Finland. Growing up in a Swedish-speaking region of Finland, Marianne and her younger brother, Bo, began learning Finnish in grade school. In 1964, she traveled to England to forge her own path and attend nursing school at St. Albans City Hospital. There she met Richard Edward Miles, and they married in January 1968. Marianne practiced as a Registered Nurse until 1969, when they moved to Montreal, Canada. In 1972, they emigrated to the United States, settling in Maryland.

Marianne was a devoted mother to Joanne & Jason, and she also provided a dependable home base for many children in the Canterbury Riding neighborhood. In those days, her favorite activities included skiing, playing in the local volleyball league, and tirelessly swimming laps in the community pool. Summers also included trips to the beach, hikes in the mountains, and fruit picking at nearby orchards. After building a house in Sewells Orchard in 1983, the door on Ironwood Way was always open to visitors from around the corner and around the world. She created a warm and welcoming home where conversation and laughter flowed easily over a cup of tea. Keeping a clean house was a source of pride for Marianne, no small feat with a menagerie of pets running, hopping, swimming, and flying about. She loved entertaining, often throwing together dinner parties on the spur of the moment. Marianne infused humor into most every situation and could not resist turning any occasion into a SURPRISE!

Throughout her life, knitting needles were her everpresent companions, channeling her skill and artistry into cozy creations that were lovingly shared with friends. From blankets and sweaters to hats and scarves, she kept her hands busy while watching her favorite sports- football and tennis. And whenever clothing needed hemming or repair, her needle and thread were always at the ready.

Proud of her Finnish heritage, Marianne led the Baltimore Chapter of the Finlandia Foundation and helped organize numerous cultural events. Her Finnish accent often attracted strangers, sparking friendships throughout the community. She delighted in baking, and each holiday season she shared in tradition by gifting friends with beautifully braided loaves of Finnish pulla. Her caring nature, paired with an intrinsic spirit of sisu- that rare blend of strength, determination, and resilience- made her truly a force to be reckoned with.

This same devotion to culture and community carried into the way she embraced life’s adventures and cherished her family. Marianne found joy in exploring the world, from far-flung destinations like Guam, Japan, and Europe to annual beach trips to the Outer Banks. She treasured time spent connecting with family and friends. Yet her greatest happiness came from showering her love on her grandchildren- Kyle, Baden, and Riley- and on her beloved granddog, Smokey. Marianne’s generosity and spirit of sisu will forever guide those she loved.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard Miles; daughter Joanne Hohn; son Jason Miles; son-in-law Joseph Hohn; grandchildren Kyle Miles of Japan, and Baden and Riley Hohn; brother Bo Wikström and sister-in-law Raija Wikström of Finland; brother-in-law Roger Miles of England; nephew Kaj Wikström, niece Nina Wikström, and cousin Tomas Wikström, all of Finland.

A private Celebration of Life will take place on December 5th in Columbia, MD, around the time Marianne would have celebrated 80 years.