Obituary of Bernadette S. Miller

            We are saddened to announce the passing of Bernadette S. Miller, who passed away on September 9, 2024, in her home in Rockaway, New Jersey. Bernadette’s passing was a peaceful one, and she was able to spend time with all of her loved ones in the days leading up to it.

 

            Bernadette was born to Bernard and Valerie Armstrong on November 20, 1943. She was raised in Irvington, NJ, alongside her two sisters. After completing high school Bernadette continued her education by taking classes at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She used what she learned there to begin her career in banking, where she rose to the level of Vice President and Branch Manager of Valley National Bank, holding those titles for many years.

 

            In 1979 Bernadette married the love of her life, Michael Miller, and the pair settled in Rockaway, New Jersey with their family. Bernadette and Michael loved their family more than anything and when they were blessed with grand and great grandchildren, they were over joyed. Her family remarks that Bernadette especially treasured the summer trips with them down the shore to Ocean Gate; her favorite place in the world.

 

            Bernadette herself was a world traveler, venturing far and wide from Alaska to Italy to Greece and everywhere in between. Bernadette was an active member of St. Cecilia Church of Rockaway and was devout in her faith, gaining many friends among the parish. She was also a member of the Rotary Club and several senior groups around town. Volunteering was a common task Bernadette took on with pride; sewing masks during Covid and crocheting blankets for retired veterans. She also believed in keeping fit and could be spotted at the gym very frequently.

 

            For Bernadette, every day was a new adventure to be filled with fun and new experiences. She lived life to the absolute fullest and made precious memories with her family and friends along the way. When given her diagnosis, she took it in stride and continued on with life, driven an unstoppable will to love and laugh as much as possible.

 

            And though we are saddened by her loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace. Her memory will now live on through her family; her children, Celeste Pocher (Michael), Denise Cruts (Earl), Larry Miller (Eileen), Bonnie Evans, her grandchildren, Laura Di Janni (Jimmy), Amber Roome (Michael), Caroline Pocher, Beatrice Pocher, Valerie Miller, Arthur Miller, Sarah Evans, Josh Evans, her great grandchildren, Kaylee Roome, Jason Di Janni, her sisters, Carole Armstrong-Lorenz (the late George), Cynthia O’Leary (Thomas), as well as a wealth of friends and neighbors who will remember her fondly.

 

            A Memorial Mass will be is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, at 10 AM at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, Rockaway, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are being accepted in Bernadette`s memory to St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, Rockaway, NJ or Eleventh Hour Rescue. You may light a candle, leave a condolence, or share your favorite memory of Bernadette here to continue to celebrate her life.