IN MEMORIAM: Anna M. Miller, 83;
Raised 9 Children In Oneonta Area
ONEONTA – Anna M (Flanagan) Miller, 83, who raised nine children in the Oneonta area, passed away Sept. 22, 2016. Ann spent her final days surrounded by her children and the caregivers that loved her.
Ann was born on Nov. 29, 1932, in Philadelphia, to Hannah (Hamilton) Flanagan and Francis Flanagan. She and Ed Miller, childhood friends and sweethearts, attended The Nativity B.V.M Elementary School. After finishing Little Flower Catholic High School in 1951, Ann worked as a clerk at Food Fair Grocery and GB Goldman Paper Co. for the next five years, as she waited for Ed to return from military service.
On Oct. 27, 1953, Ann and Ed were married at the Nativity Catholic Church in Philadelphia, three days before Ed’s deployment to Korea. She was Ed’s main support during his many job transfers, being able to pack up an entire house and nine children with no complaints, only eye rolls and sighs. They finally settled in Otego, where they lived for 21 years before moving to Oneonta on retirement.
After 20 years and nine children, Ann re-entered the work force as an administrative assistant at the Oasis, then at Amerigas in Oneonta. She happily retired in 1992 and enjoyed one year of solitude before Ed joined her after 40 years in retail management with Jamesway, Grant’s and other national chains. Ann began her retirement learning how to swim at the age of 62 and enjoying her 22 grandchildren, attending all their activities and celebrations.
Ann‘s husband of 58 years, Ed, who passed in 2011. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her sister, Catherine (Flanagan) Sheerin, and her three brothers, Frank Jr., Joe (Harold), and Bill Flanagan.
She is survived by her children, Edward F. Miller, Jr. (Nancy) of Oneonta, Marianne Buscemi (Paul) of Valley Center, Calif., Lorraine Tompkins (Bruce) of Manlius, Cheryl Miller (Mark) of Oneonta, Valerie Gray (Larry) of Rock City Falls, Patrick Miller (Doraine) of Ballston Spa, Michael Miller (Lorraine), Oneonta, John Miller (Virginia) of Tarrytown and Catherine Miller (Bob) of Rock City Falls. Ann is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. And never forgotten by her good friends, Ron and Kathy Ranc.
Ann was an active parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church until 2012 when she moved to Rock City Falls, and joined St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. Because of her quick wit and Irish humor, Ann was a favorite at get togethers where everyone waited to see what she would say next. Coining the phrase “Annie-isms” which will follow her for many years.
Ann was fortunate enough to spend her last six months at the Village Green in Cohoes, where she made friends (Joan, Margaret and Evelyn) and was loved by the many nurses, doctors and support staff who also welcomed her entire family into their circle. Ann created an extended family to include Debbie, Kelly, Holly, Bella, Bree, Tiffany, Khari, Fanio, Chris, Annie, Amelia, Kay, Linda, Dr. Jue and many more who were always with her and cared for her.
Calling hours will be 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Sept. 26, at Lester R. Grummon’s Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta. A funeral mass will be at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut St., with Rev. David Mickiewicz, pastor, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ann’s name to her favorite charity, Feed The Poor, P.O. Box 979005, Coconut Creek, FL 33097-9005.
