Barbara C. Miller

Tustin - Barbara Catherine Miller, long-time resident of Tustin, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 22, 2019.  She was 80.

Barbara was born on January 30, 1939, in Ishpeming, Michigan, to Leonard and Florence (Basolo) Altobello.  Following a chance meeting in the teachers’ lounge at Gaylord High School on the first day of school in September 1963, she began a relationship with fellow teacher Harvey G. Miller, and the two entered holy matrimony on February 22, 1964, in Gaylord.

Barbara worked 33 years as a teacher and finished her tenure as an educator at Pine River Junior High School, retiring in June 1996.  Barbara was passionate about animals and served as President of the Wonderland Humane Society.  She could often be found passing time watching her favorite programs on television, crocheting, knitting, listening to Neil Diamond, or finishing up a craft or her next tie-blanket.

A 1961 graduate of Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Barbara loved the Upper Peninsula and was proud of her heritage there, visiting whenever she could, and taking in the views of her beloved Lake Superior.  Barbara was giving of her time, energy, and effort, volunteering all over the area.  She was especially involved in Project Christmas, UPLIFT PRAK, Tustin Community Library, several educational groups and local charities, and devoting time to her three loving grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 55 years, Harvey Miller of Tustin, her two daughters, Jaimee (Kyle) Dorian of Potterville; Mystena (Scott) Miller-Hamlin, of Mancelona; special daughter Karina (Peter) Smit of the Netherlands; her grandchildren, Sarah (Zach) McNees, Grant Dorian, and Emma Moser; her twin sister, Mary (Dean) Geronimi; and a brother, Leonard (Judi) Altobello; and special niece Stephanie (Phil) Bellant, as well as many other loving family members and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial Celebration of Life will take place at the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home on Saturday, July 27, 2019, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm with a sharing time at 3:00 pm.

Memorial contributions in Barbara’s honor may be directed to the Tustin Community Library, UPLIFT PRAK, Wonderland Humane Society, or Project Christmas.

The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.  

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