This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Patricia Miller

Patricia “Pat” Miller, born on Aug. 6, 1932, in Fairfield County, the daughter of James and Anna Murray, entered into eternal rest on June 16. She married her best friend, Robert C. Miller, on Feb. 16, 1957, and embarked on a remarkable journey together. Patricia and Robert’s paths crossed while she was studying at Teachers College in New Britain, and he was serving in the U.S. Army. Their chance meeting led to a whirlwind romance, culminating in their marriage in Fairfield. They eventually settled in West Hartford, where Pat taught English and served as the head of the drama club at Glastonbury High School, while Bob pursued his career at Raymond Engineering in Middlefield.

In 1967, they moved to Madison, where they established a vibrant life surrounded by cherished family and friends. Pat found immense joy in raising her children in this community and actively participated in their lives, engaging with Our Lady of Mercy Country Day School, Mercy, and Xavier High School. She cultivated her passion for gardening and became a master gardener, a flower show judge with the Federated Garden Clubs, and even served as the President of the Madison Garden Club. Pat’s boundless energy led her to act in numerous plays on the Shoreline and wholeheartedly support her children’s events.

The beauty of Vermont drew Pat and Bob, and they began their many home improvement projects with two log cabins. The family spent weekends skiing at their Bromley Mountain condo, creating cherished memories. As the warmer weather arrived, they turned their attention to the beach and dedicated weekends to rebuilding a house on the water in Westbrook. Pat hosted many lobster bakes for family and friends in this beloved coastal retreat. Boats were an integral part of their lives, with Bob building Pat a cabin cruiser to share their love of the water. Later, they shared that love with their children, venturing to Block Island and beyond on their boats, Sularob and Born Free.

After a significant health scare, Pat demonstrated her indomitable spirit by founding and running Acro Technology. She embraced the challenges of her new career and cherished the collaborative time she spent with Bob as they tackled the demands of the business together.

Pat and Bob found much joy and camaraderie among friends at the Madison Winter Club, where they shared laughter and love. During their retirement years, they purchased an antique home, pouring their hearts into restoring its timeless beauty. Pat had an innate appreciation for aesthetics, whether it was reflected in a captivating flower arrangement or the enchanting notes of a classical piano piece. She was an accomplished pianist and a talented accompanist.

Fearless and vivacious, Pat embraced life with fervor, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her Catholic faith served as the bedrock of her existence, and she and Bob could always be found on the right side in the front row at St. Margaret Church every Saturday night. Patricia’s love for Madison shone through her involvement with the American Red Cross, American Association of University Women, St. Margaret’s Altar and Flower Arranging Ministry, painting classes, and volunteering at the library.

Patricia is predeceased by her parents, Anna and James Murray of Fairfield, and her brothers, Jim and Bruce. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bob Miller; her daughter Laura Miller-Cozean (Ron); her daughter Susan Miller Polednik (Eric); and her son Robert (Christine). She adored her grandchildren: Amanda (Josh), Katharine (Adam), Daniel (Lily), Alex, Brittney, Kailey, Jeimy (Chris), Robbie, Will (Grace), Erin (David), Bryan; and three great-grandchildren, Cecelia, Theodore, and Molly; two more great-grandchildren are expected to arrive soon.

The family received friends on June 21 at the Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on June 22 at St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison. A burial at West Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden, Colorado (www.mothercabrinishrine.org) Special thank you to Middlesex Health Care at Home for their care and expertise during this time. A very special thank you to Denise, Danielle, Lara and Susan F., and Laura, her caregiver.