Mary Beth Miller

             Mary Beth Miller, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend colleague, and part-time angel, slipped away quietly on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at age 68 after living with Alzheimer’s disease for 15 years.

            Mary Beth was born in Natrona Heights in 1955 to John and Olga, who lovingly raised a family of five boys and a single girl in a quiet country setting in Fawn Township. The sights and sounds of nature served as a backdrop to Mary Beth’s childhood as she developed artistic and spiritual tendencies while engaging in activities typical of her era: hiking, swimming, doing yard- and housework, caring for pets, and playing sports and games with family and neighbors.

            Following high school (Highlands, 1973), Mary Beth pursued her talent for art at Edinboro College, earning a degree in Fine Arts. Her miniature paintings, lithographs, ceramics, and photographs from that period remain cherished items to this day. After college she began working as a draft person at local engineering firms until accepting a post with ITCorp in LA, where she embarked on what would become a thirty-year California experience. Aside from her drafting and supervisory roles (she eventually became a drafting supervisor at Ninyo and Moore Geotechnical & Environmental Sciences Consultants). Mary Beth served as a social activities’ maven, helping organize beach volleyball events, parties, and other extra-curricular entertainment.

            Mary Beth’s work and play took her to remote areas of California, the Southwest and Mexico, where friends and colleagues hiked, climbed, biked, and sailed on a regular basis. Additional travels included Indonesia, Europe, and South America, with regular trips back to Pennsylvania to visit family and friends.

            At home in LA, Mary Beth developed close personal relationships with friends and maintained a life-long fondness for animals. Her pets included two chameleons; an albino parakeet named Frodo; a cat named Frank (who ultimately made a meal of Frodo); a parakeet named Spud; Phoebe, the beloved Labrador; twin cockatiels; an amazon parrot named Olive; another called Edith; and, finally her treasured feline friend, Snowpants. Music played an important part in Mary Beth’s life; her extensive collection included an eclectic variety and elaborate sound equipment.

            Friends are too numerous to name; her BFF and confidante, Therese, shared her spiritual disposition and penchant for travel and adventure; couple Jaci and Rich were colleagues and faithful friends; Pam and Lauren sent wishes frequently; Sue was a childhood friend and Edinboro alumni, Laura, Henry, and Gail and John, kept in touch regularly. Friends and ex-colleagues (particularly at ITCorp) remembered her faithfully at their periodic gatherings.

            Surviving immediate family members include Gary (Flo Sunderlin), Bob (Jenny Jones), Patrick (Cindy), Tom, and Steve (Kelly Covert), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Beth was predeceased by her parents, John and Olga (Davidek).

            The Miller family wishes to extend thanks and appreciation to the care aides, nurses, staff, and administration at Concordia, Cabot, for their unceasing efforts in helping Mary Beth sustain a meaningful, comfortable life.

            The Memory of Mary Beth’s playful innocence and charm continues to inspire those she knew and loved. May our cherished angel remain in our heart always.

            Visitation 2-6 PM Monday in Duster Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 347 E 10th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. Christian funeral mass Tuesday at 10 AM in Guardian Angels Parish, Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Natrona Heights. Burial will be in Sacred Heart- St Peter Cemetery, Tarentum. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions to Paws Across Pittsburgh Animal Rescue, 413 E 6th Ave, Tarentum, PA 15084. VISIT: DusterFH.com