Claire R. Miller

Devoted wife, gracious stepmom to four boys, beloved and adoring Memom to their children and grandchildren, and a teacher of exceptional talent and dedication for nearly forty years, Claire Rose Miller passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved her on January 30, 2023, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Mount Holly, New Jersey in 1935, Claire, a gorgeous girl with a passion and talent for dance, was graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School and entered (then) West Chester State Teacher’s College. Upon graduating, she immediately began her long and storied elementary school teaching career (mostly with 1st and 2nd graders) in the Mount Holly school system. Over her tenure, she taught over 500 hundred children how to read and write and was twice honored as Teacher of the Year. Her students adored her. First married to Edward Poinsett, Claire re-married the widower Dr. James Anthony Miller in 1976, thus inheriting his four rambunctious sons. Like Jim, Claire was among the stalwart faithful of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where she served (among other things) on Altar Guild and the Episcopal Church Women. A longstanding member of the teaching sorority Phi Kappa Gamma and twice its chapter President, Claire also devoted her charitable heart to the Mount Holly Female Benevolent Society, the Mount Holly Historical Society, and the (then) Burlington County Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, among others. Daughter of Irene and James Rose and sister to her beloved brother Robert Rose (deceased), Claire doted on Bob’s two daughters and later the six children of her stepsons as their cherished “Memom.” Claire unreservedly loved all people and celebrating the milestones of their lives, most especially when she was surrounded by young children. She and Jim traveled the world. Lover of daisies, dogs, and Beatrix Potter mice, she will be forever remembered for her constant kindness, endless generosity, and spiritual grace as a fiercely loyal friend to so many. Claire is survived by nieces Lisa Lanser Rose and Laura Rose, stepsons David, Robert, James, and Gary Miller; grandchildren Jodie McPherson, Corey McCook, and Sherri, Lorraine, James, and Michael Miller; and great-grandchildren Ayla, Julia, and Rylan McCook, and Connor Young. Viewing Hours are 4-6 PM on Sunday, February 5th and 9:30-10:30 AM on Monday the 6th at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High Street in Mount Holly, followed by Communion Service of Christian Burial at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 125 High St., Mount Holly at 11 AM, and interment at Brotherhood Cemetery in Hainesport. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Mount Holly Female Benevolent Society c/o Anne Moore, 210 Woodside Drive, Lumberton, NJ 08048 will be gratefully received.

Claire R. Miller

November 9, 1935 - January 30, 2023