Margaret Miller

Margaret (Marge) Miller, nee Peterman, the youngest of 3 children to Henry and Helen Peterman, was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. At age 20, she graduated and received her certificate from The Katharine Gibbs School, considered the best secretarial school of the day. She was employed by the CIA in Washington DC when she met her future husband of 72 years, Richard (Dick), then an active Marine. After marrying and having their first child, Michael, Marge and Dick eventually relocated to Rochester, NY where Dick finished his college studies and their family grew to include two more children, daughter Helene and another son, Girard. Marge and Dick embraced a large family, eventually welcoming their fourth and fifth children, Carl and Judy.

Marge lived a full life filled with a variety of responsibilities - juggling a bustling household, engaging in her children's activities, working part-time, and caring for her ailing father and brother. After their children were grown and had left the family home of Chelmsford, MA, Marge and Dick moved to Virginia, where they both worked for several more years. Marge ultimately retired from General Electric Company, and she and Dick relocated to Ridgefield, WA.

A devoted wife and mother, Marge enjoyed cooking and entertaining, bridge, tennis, skiing and other family oriented activities. In their retirement years, Marge continued to enjoy her leisure time pursuits and traveling with Dick. She volunteered at a local hospital, explored watercolor painting and yarn crafts and enjoyed aerobics. She cherished time with their children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, reading and spending quiet time with Dick.

She was an animal lover, especially of her cats and supported different charities that helped children and families. She was a kind hearted, thoughtful and selfless person who loved her family above all. She was described by those who knew her as bright, warm and caring -- a true lady. She had inner strength and a gracious and mild manner and when happy, a beautiful, sweet smile that spread to her eyes. She was sometimes under estimated by those that didn’t know her well, with her intelligence and sense of humor often coming as a surprise. 

Marge passed away in her sleep on October 4, 2024. She is survived by her children, Michael, Girard, Carl and Judy; 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Allen and John, daughter Helene and husband Dick.

Marge and Dick left a legacy through their charitable giving and large loving family. She made her mark on the world as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and professional working woman. She will be missed.