Mary Jane Miller

Mary J. (Nome) Miller was born July 4, 1927 in Michigan City, IN to James and Maria Nome. Mary was the youngest surviving child of three, having lost a brother, Samuel and an infant sister, Annie, who passed of tuberculosis along with mother Maria, when Mary was three years old. The three surviving Nome children were sent to live in the Mishawaka Children’s Home in Mishawaka, IN. At 14 years old, Mary was released by her father to Michigan City, IN, as he had remarried and a new baby was expected. Brothers George and Albert remained in the Mishawaka Children’s Home, attending Mishawaka High School until both brothers signed on with the US Air Corps. Albert’s plane was shot down over Belgium in a mission to Berlin—a tail gunner, he was trapped in the plane and died at age 18. George was a paratrooper in the liberation of the Philippines in 1942, when released from duty, spent the rest of his life in Mishawaka. Mary left Michigan City when she married (Edward) Lee Miller, of Hudson Lake, IN, a bricklayer and a drummer, in 1950. The couple had three children. Over the years Mary worked a variety of jobs from sewing zippers into Lee jeans, elementary school secretary, baby-sitter, housekeeper, factory worker and book keeper for a local business. Sadly, Mary lost her husband in 1965 and her oldest son in 1968. She was a determined, independent woman who put family first. She was focused and steadfast, compassionate and concerned for others. Her children’s friends enjoyed visiting her, having fun and serious conversations. Mary had a special laugh, remembered kindly by family and friends. In retirement, Mary moved to Indiana, PA to be near her daughter, living 22 years in an independent senior living center. After having heart problems in the fall of 2016, Mary became a resident of Beacon Ridge Nursing Home in Indiana, PA. Surviving: daughter Christine (Jim) Calhoun, grandson, Michael Calhoun, of Indiana; daughter-in-law, Sharon Miller, grandson Jordan Miller, granddaughter Brittany (Coby) Young, Helotes, TX; niece Pam (Dan) Brown and family, KY; nephews Russ (Sandra), Randy (Sharon), Bill (Shelley) Hooton and families; Nieces Linda Hooton McClung and family and Kathy Hooton Edwards and family. Preceding her in death: parents, husband Lee Miller, sons Douglas and Steven Miller, brothers George and Albert Nome, and half-sister Norma Jean Martin, as well as sisters-in-law Marvilla Nome and Gladys Hooton. At Mary’s request, there will be no funeral services. Donations in her memory may be made to Beacon Ridge Nursing Home, 1515 Wayne Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701, or to a charity of your choice.