Hartford

On June 10, after a brief illness, Rosemary Miller left this earthly world and those she loved so dearly to rejoin her loved ones in heaven.

Rosemary was born in Fort Ann, New York on March 27, 1936, to Leo and Loretta (Reardon) Monahan. After graduating from Fort Ann High School, she married Sterling H Miller on February 20, 1954, and followed him to Würtzburg, Germany while he served his country.

They raised seven children in a home filled with lots of noise and love. The Miller supper table usually included neighborhood children around it, adding to the chaos and fun. Rosemary said, “If extra mouths appear, just add more potatoes.” The Miller door was always open and a spot on someone’s bed was made available for anyone who needed it.

Rosemary’s seven children, sixteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren all reside within a 30 mile radius; a testimony to the close family ties she and Sterling instilled. Continuous holiday parties, birthday celebrations, wedding & baby showers, and graduations reinforced family bonds. The grandchildren treasure their memories of playing Dirty Board, dominoes, and thirty-one with Rosemary and Sterling.
Rosemary was Hartford’s premier Avon Lady during the late 70s through the 90s, which allowed her to expand an already large circle of friends while enjoying gossipy visits. She was an avid reader, breezed through crossword and jig-saw puzzles, answered Wheel of Fortune puzzles before the contestants, rooted for the Yankees, and strove to shout ‘Bingo’ before anyone else.

Rosemary was instrumental in establishing a mission church at St. Philips Catholic Church in South Hartford, a member of the St. Anne’s Catholic Daughter of America Court Mater Mariae at St. Philip’s Church, a brownie leader, a Big Sister in the Big Sister/Big Brother program, and an early member of the Hartford Women’s Auxilary. Rosemary and Sterling also helped begin youth dances at the Fish & Game Club that evolved into today’s Hartford Youth Commission.

In addition to her parents, Rosemary was predeceased by Sterling, her husband of 51 years.

Rosemary is survived by her seven children: Christine (Ralph) Shattuck, Sterling P (Mary) Miller, Robert (Susan) Miller, Mark (Dale) Miller, Gail Bogart, Laura (Joel) Robbins, and Jennifer Miller; sixteen grandchildren: Janine Kubricky, Jeremy Miller, Lindsay Fisher, Darcy Kloss, Tiffany Bogart, Michael (Kara) Miller, Jason Kloss, Kristina Miller, Troy Miller, Sean Miller, Melissa Miller, Marissa Miller, Brad (Caitlyn) Miller, Danika Robbins, Kyle Bogart, and Alexis Robbins; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her four sisters: Joan Kubricky-Mannix, Kay (Bob) Major, Linda Steves, and Peggy (Tom) Campbell. An army of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends join the ranks of those who will miss her.

There will be no calling hours. A celebration of her life will be held at the Hartford Firehouse on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 4 to 7 pm followed by a memorial service at 7pm. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are in the care of the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 123 Main Street, Argyle, NY 12809. To leave online condolences please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

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