Obituary of Rae Geneva Miller
Do not remember me with sadness and tears,
Remember all the laughter and love,
We have shared over the years.
It is with great sadness that the family of Rae Geneva Miller announces her passing, which occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Saturday, January 23, 2021 with her daughter by her side. Born October 18, 1946 in Acaciaville, Nova Scotia, daughter of the late Estelle Miller. Rae called Saint John home for the last 55 years.
She will live on in the hearts of her daughter Crystal (John) Parlee and nanny, nana to granddaughters, Caitlin and Emma, all of Hampton, NB. She is also survived by her sisters, Beatrice Barton of Nova Scotia and Yvonne Miller of Montreal, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her family, she will be remembered and missed by her lifelong friends: Helen, Gert, Cheryl and Nancy whose friendships spanned more than forty years and in recent years, Sandra. Whether in person or chatting by phone, the time with friends brought her joy.
Rae was a loving and dedicated mother to her daughter, evident by the selfless sacrifices she made over her lifetime. Being nanny, nana to her granddaughters brought her tremendous happiness and smiles.
She was generous, helpful, welcoming, had a great sense of humour, loved to smile and laugh, spoke her mind and was quick to offer advice to those around her, especially in times of need. Decorating her home brought her enjoyment and a sense of pride when complimented that she should have been an interior designer. Holidays and celebrations meant a lot to her and with the excitement of a young child, she could not wait to open the presents and have a great feast.
Rae had a strong work ethic. She retired at age 60, after thirty plus years in the dietary department at the Old General Hospital and the Saint John Regional Hospital. Her retirement was filled with early morning walks with friends, covering every path and trail of Rockwood Park. These walks were followed by gathering at the north end Tim Horton’s to chat and Saturday brunch at various restaurants in the city. She dreaded bad weather days because it meant no walk, being with friends and the shopping excursions that often resulted when the coffee and chat was done.
Family find comfort that she is at rest after years of declining health, especially in the last year. She has joined her mother; brothers John, Ernest and James; sisters Phyllis and Janie and “chosen” mother Bessie.
Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John. In keeping with Rae’s wishes, there will be no visitation and funeral service. Interment and a small gathering will be held at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the donor’s choice.
