Phyllis J. Miller

BARRE TOWN – Phyllis Joan (Page) Miller, 83, of Websterville, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, November 22, 2015, at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin while surrounded by her family.
Phyllis was born in Woodsville, NH on October 28, 1932, the only daughter of the late Raymond and Bessie (Frost) Page. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Groton, VT and attended village schools, graduating with the class of 1950.
Shortly after graduation, she moved to Barre and was employed at the Sprague Electric Capacitor Plant.
Phyllis married Osmond H. Miller in September of 1953. They resided in Websterville where they raised their family. In early years, she was a stay-at-home mother, caring for her children and her mother-in-law. She and Osmond shared 44 years of marriage until his death in 1997.
Phyllis had a deep desire to care for others and after raising a family of six children, she decided to start a career in nursing. She attended and graduated from the Thompson School of Nursing in Brattleboro. Following her graduation from nursing school, she enjoyed a fulfilling 22-year career at the McFarland House Nursing Home in Barre and then as a pediatric nurse at the Central Vermont Hospital in Berlin. After retiring from the Central Vermont Hospital, she continued to provide home health care in the community and formally ended her career at the age of 78.
Phyllis enjoyed working with her hands and cared for a large garden of vegetables, fruits, and flowers including her famous gladiolas and large raspberry and blueberry patch. She canned vegetables and fruit and created wonderful baked goods throughout the year, which she generously shared with family and friends. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, quilting, and crafting beautiful stained glass lamps for her family. She enjoyed annual vacations with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on Cape Cod and weekly family gatherings at her home.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Debra and Bruce Welch of Brookfield, James O. Miller of Calais, Dawn and Douglas Farnham, Merle and Ann Miller, Diane and Guy Norwood, and daughter-in-law, Sherry Miller, all of Barre Town; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; her brother, Deane and his wife, Laura Page; sister-in-law, Georgiana Page of Groton; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Osmond; her son, Michael; her brothers, Richard and Garth Page; and sister-in-law, Janie Page.
A memorial celebration of her life will be held Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal, in Barre. Family and friends may call Wednesday, December 2, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre. Interment will be held at a later date at the family’s discretion.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Phyllis’ memory to the charity of one’s choice or to the Discretionary Fund, Church of the Good Shepherd, 39 Washington Street, Barre, VT 05641.