Obituary of Mary Ann Miller

MILLER, Mary Ann

4/1/1931 - 3/10/2021

“A mother's love is like an everlasting bed of roses, that continues to blossom.” - Ellen J. Barrier.

Mary Ann was born April 1, 1931 near Harrison, Nebraska to parents Henry and Nellie Hoffman.  She graduated from St Francis Hospital, School of Nursing in 1952 as a Registered Nurse.  While in school, she met the love of her life, Edward Miller.  Mary and Ed were married in June of 1953, and moved to South Dakota where both of their children were born.  The family moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1968, where Mary continued her nursing career at the US Veteran’s Hospital.   After retiring from nursing, Mary began volunteering at the Tucson Medical Center in 2003, working in their gift shop and also as a member of the TMC Auxiliary Sewing Group, eventually working her way up to be the Service Chair of that group.  It was a perfect fit for her, as a skilled seamstress who loved to sew, and a retired nurse who wanted to continue helping patients.  The Sewing Group made heart pillows for cardiac and chest surgery patients, walker bags for orthopedic patients, multiple items for infants in the NICU, baby blankets, foley bag covers, and “busy aprons/vests” for dementia patients.  When not bringing a smile to the patients and families that visited the hospital, Mary spent many hours in her back yard tending to her garden.  Roses were her favorite, thus, there was always a vase of fresh roses from her garden on the dining room table!  She took great pride in sharing the fruits of her labor while entertaining friends and family.  Mary was preceded in death by her husband Edward, son Paul and daughter Jean.  She is survived by her grandchildren: Kristi Roe, Shannon Alexander, Jason Miller, Danielle Longabaugh, Tanya Flocken, Matt Miller and nine great grandchildren. 

“The rose is not on the plant for more than a week, but the thorns are there forever. Roses are teaching that the beauty of life will bloom, once you have taught yourself the lessons given by living with the thorns.” -  Grigoris Deoudis