Mary L. (Colley) Miller – from Woburn, April 20th, at ninety-five years of age. Beloved wife of the late Harry F. Miller. Cherished mother of Carol A. Miller-Bausch, her husband Alan F. of Maynard, Susan M. Miller-Champney of Bedford, Thomas “Tom” F. Miller, his wife Mary D. of Woburn, and David F. Miller, his wife Kimberly L. of Tewksbury. Doting Grammie/Grandma of Christopher Champney, Elizabeth Miller-Connolly, her husband Doug, Jennifer Champney-Irish, her husband Tristan, Andrew, Joseph, Michelle, Julie, David and Scott Miller. Dear sister of Claire Delahanty of MD, Frank A. Colley of Arlington, and the late Anna Price and Mabel Miln. Mary is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a very special niece, Betty Price of Melrose. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling, Monday, April 25th, from 4-7 p.m., in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn. A Funeral will be held in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn on Tuesday, April 26th at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10.a.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in honor of Mary to the Woburn Senior Center, 144 School Street, Woburn, MA 01801.
Mary Louise (Colley) Miller passed away at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, surrounded by her devoted family on Wednesday,
April 20th, following a very brief illness. The beloved wife of the late Harry F. Miller. She had just turned ninety-five on April 12th.
Born in Somerville, Mary was one of five children born to the late Fred and Mary (Bettencourt) Colley. Raised in the Winnmere section of Burlington, Mary was very bright and articulate. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1945 as Class Valedictorian. In her prophecy address to the class on that special day, Mary made two predictions. The first was a large shopping center that would be built in Burlington. The second was that there would be a large hospital built in close proximity to the shopping center. She was absolutely correct on both predictions!
Mary married her sweetheart, Harry, to whom she was devoted to for over 40 years. They raised four children of whom they were very proud of. Many happy family traditions were established over the years, and have continued right up to the present day. Family summer camping trips to Sebago Lake State Park in Maine, Fourth of July celebrations at Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire, including boat rides and picnics off the boat. Holidays were always very near and dear to Mary. Everything was always made from “scratch”. Christmas breakfast at Mom’s was always the place to be! She served fresh ground coffee, eggs, quiches, waffles, blueberry muffins, coffee cakes and various other breakfast treats that were always scrumptious. This has been a tradition right up until last Christmas and she loved it, surrounded by all of her children and grandchildren. Mary baked absolutely beautiful wedding cakes for each of her children, and several of her nieces and nephews. She also made themed birthday cakes for all of her grandchildren.
After Harry passed away in 1992, Mary began traveling everywhere near and far. She went on cruises, bus trips with Aunt Joan up and down the eastern sea coast, long walks on Good Harbor Beach, and visited the Hawaiian Islands. Mary and her family traveled together in the “big blue van” every fall throughout New Hampshire and Vermont where they would enjoy their family picnics and rides to see the foliage. She also spent time with family in Naples, Maine, enjoying the views and watching the hummingbirds from the farmer’s porch overlooking Sebago Cove.
An avid gardener, there was nothing Mary couldn’t grow. Annuals, perennials, roses, vegetables, and her lawn – it was all beautiful and meticulous. She had a definite eye for color, so every year during the spring, summer, and fall, her yard was always a place of beauty and enjoyment.
Spending time at the Senior Center brought Mary much joy. From exercise classes, to the book clubs, Mary had a ball. She always enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and reading all sorts of different genres. If she had an interest, she read about it.
Most importantly, all throughout the years, everything in Mary’s life was about family. She was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She established special relationships with her children and grandchildren, spending quality time with each, and always loving the call of “Mom” and “Grammie or Grandma“.
Faith, family and love, that was Mary’s mantra, which endeared her to everyone she met throughout the years.
Beloved wife of the late Harry F. Miller. Cherished mother of Carol A. Miller-Bausch, her husband Alan F. of Maynard, Susan M. Miller-Champney of Bedford, Thomas “Tom” F. Miller, his wife Mary D. of Woburn, and David F. Miller, his wife Kimberly L. of Tewksbury. Doting Grammie/Grandma of Christopher Champney, Elizabeth Miller-Connolly, her husband Doug, Jennifer Champney-Irish, her husband Tristan, Andrew, Joseph, Michelle, Julie, David and Scott Miller. Dear sister of Claire Delahanty of MD, Frank A. Colley of Arlington, and the late Anna Price and Mabel Miln. Mary is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a very special niece, Betty Price of Melrose.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling, Monday, April 25th, from 4-7 p.m., in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn. A Funeral will be held in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn on Tuesday, April 26th at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10.a.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in honor of Mary to the Woburn Senior Center, 144 School Street, Woburn, MA 01801.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visiting hours, Monday, April 25th, from 4-7 p.m., in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn. A Funeral will be held in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn on Tuesday, April 26th at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10.a.m.Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in honor of Mary to the Woburn Senior Center, 144 School Street, Woburn, MA 01801.
Carol – I’m so sorry about your Mom. It’s hard to lose a parent, no matter what the circumstances. Sending hugs.
Sincere condolences to you all. I cherish my time with my kind, beautiful Aunt Mary. She always made my son’s feel special which I deeply appreciate.
Joe- very sorry for your loss
Dear Liz and family Your grandmother was a role model to those who knew and loved her. She left a beautiful legacy and gift to all of you. I know how much she meant to you. Gary and I send prayers and hugs
Dear Auntie Mary’s family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Absent from the body present with the Lord. She is with Jesus now! She made it home!❤ I love you guys but Jesus loves you more! Psalm 23
I’ll never forget visiting Aunt Mary around the holidays, when we would all be amazed by the way she would make sure everyone was well-fed by bringing out holiday fixings, pies, and desserts for hours, all somehow baked in her tiny kitchen! I especially loved her kind smile, great sense of humor, and the way she always made my brother Ken (who had many challenges) feel special. We’re very grateful we got to visit her these past couple of years; she shared some wonderful stories and always seemed as sharp as a tack. We’ll miss you greatly, Aunt Mary! -Bob & Caryl-
Sue,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.