OBITUARY prepared by mom during October 2013
Mrs. Kathleen (Kaye) M. Miller, born and raised in Trenton, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada, passed away in Gainesville, Florida on March 6, 2017. Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Russell Crooks, she was born on October 26, 1921.
Growing up in Nova Scotia, she learned very early in life how to skate and snow board (her dad made the snow boards). She loved sports, especially basketball and softball, and played both. She sung in church and school choirs. She was also a member of the Canadian Girls in Training (similar to the Girl Scouts).
She loved school and never had a teacher she didn’t respect and admire. She won many awards over the years, but the one she treasured most was a one-dollar bill for not missing a day of school in grade 4. She kept it for years and would later use it to buy a quart of milk and two loaves of bread in the terrible depression years.
World War II provided opportunities for women. With so many young men joining the army it left the door open for women to work in many jobs. She went to work in the Trenton Steel Works as a checker where she would work until she married the love of her life, Joseph W. Miller, in 1943. She was very proud that her husband played the violin.
They moved to New Glasgow where her husband owned and operated his own electronics business. She would do a lot of volunteer work; especially modeling beautiful clothes for the Goodman Company, with all proceeds raised from the fashion shows donated to children’s charity. Their son, Jimmy, was born in 1945.
In 1956 they moved to Gainesville where her husband would go to work at the University of Florida in the Engineering Department and later in the Chemistry Department. She worked for several years in the Alumni Office. Their son attended and graduated from the University.
She and her family were members of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. Her husband and son spent many Saturdays helping clear the property for the construction of the church and were frequent volunteers in keeping up the grounds around the church.
Throughout her life she loved to play bridge and when the University offered an evening class, she signed up and enjoyed every moment.
A year or so after her husband retired from the University they moved to Manteo, North Carolina where his sister and brother-in-law lived and operated a photographic studio. She and Joe bought a lovely home with almost an acre of land where they spent many hours beautifying the yard. Their hard work was rewarded with a “Yard of the Month” award one November.
After her husband passed away she decided to move back to Gainesville to be near her son and his family. She settled in Meadowbrook, which she considered one of the most beautiful places in Alachua County.
Kaye was preceded in death by her husband; sisters Muriel Foote, Cordelia Crooks, Rosemarie MacIntosh; brother Oscar Crooks; stepsister Jean Jenkins and Jean’s brother Johnnie Crooks. She is survived by her sister Vesta Clark, son Jimmy, grandsons Geoffrey and James, and two great-granddaughters. She also leaves behind many beloved nephews and nieces in Canada and many precious neighbors and friends in the Meadowbrook, Gainesville, and Manteo communities. She leaves us with this wish–Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
In accordance with her wishes, her body has been donated to medical science through the Anatomical Board of the State of Florida. In Lieu of Flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Haven Hospice 4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville, FL. 32606.
A Memorial Service is planned for Friday March 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Milam Funeral Home Chapel.
