Verena Paulina Miller passed away on October 27, 2011. She was born April 22, 1921 on the family farm on Hinman Road in Eagle Township. She was the daughter of Eberhard and Anna Mary (Lehman) Miller. Verena graduated from St. Mary’s Elementary school in Westphalia and later attained a GED for a high school education. She married Herbert John Miller on May 31, 1945 and moved to their farm in Portland, Michigan. During her long and remarkable life she was dedicated to her faith, her family, music and performing. She was a long time member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and served her parish in many ways. She was Parish Council member and President, an instructor of religious education, took part in Diocesan programs and coordinated and attended women’s retreats for many years. Because she loved acting, Verena was a founding member of the Portland Civic Players. She acted in many roles as well as directing plays. Her lead in the production of Mame was her proudest acting and singing achievement. Verena was also a member of St. Patrick Adult Choir and counted the director, Anne Eddy as a dear friend. She sang soprano with them for many years. She considered the choir members her second family. Their tributes to her at her 80th and 90th birthday party were cherished memories. Verena loved her family and was a homemaker for many years. She loved to bake and her apple pies were astounding. And she was renowned for her potato salad and potato pancakes. Every Sunday family dinner was special. She went to work for the State of Michigan for the Bureau of Laboratories in 1962. Many of her co-workers became life-long friends . She retired from the State of Michigan in 1983. After her retirement she helped start an organization called PROP. People Reaching Out to People which gave respite care to family members in the Portland Community. She was also a member of her neighborhood Orange Thimble Club and helped with sewing projects for charity. Verena was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert, in 1984, her sisters: Beatrice (Robert) Bohr, Josetta (Casper) Bohr, Loretta (Theodore) Noeker, Stella (Robert) Devereaux, Ella and Mary Therese Miller, her brothers Wilmer (Edna) Miller, Robert (Elaine) Miller and Gerald (Germaine) Miller. She is survived by her son, Theodore (Mary) Miller of Sequim, Washington, her daughters, Carol (Steven) Kahn and Susan Miller of Portland and Joyce (Glenn) Pline, of St. Johns, seven grand children and five great grand children. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Church at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2011 with Fr. Larry King presiding. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Westphalia. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Thursday and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Friday at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland. The rosary will be prayed at 7:30 pm., Thursday and 3:30 p.m., Friday. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Friday. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing – Stoneleigh Residence or Fr. Flohe Foundation in memory of Verena.