It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Theonilla (Theo) Miller (nee Bachmeier) on February 16.  She will be lovingly missed by her entire family; 9 children, Sharon (Edward) Arnold, Michael (Beverley) Miller, John (Dee) Miller, Gwendalyn (Dennis Brothen) Miller, Gregory (Patsy) Miller, Marie (John) Hoare, Richard (Kathy) Miller, Mark (Eleanor) Miller, Leonard (Dorothy) Miller; 29 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 2 surviving sisters and vast extended family.  She will always be remembered as the beloved matriarch who embodied faith and family.  Theo was an elegant lady; full of class, grace, style and a fondness for hats. Theo was a passionate gardener, well known for her green thumb and willingness to share her amazing gardening talents.

She was born in the German community of Karamurat, Romania. As a 7 year old, Theo immigrated with her family to Canada, first settling in Saskatchewan and then moving to Richmond, B.C.  In 1941, Theo married the love of her life, her late husband, Michael (Mike) Joseph Miller.  Together they built their home in Richmond where they proceeded to establish a thriving business (Miller Cartage & Contracting Ltd.) while raising 9 children.  Mike and Theo were instrumental in forming the Navy League Cadet Program (MJ Miller 78).  Despite their busy lives, Theo and Mike took special time for each other in Hawaii by making it their second home for over 40 years.

As gracious hosts, Theo and Mike’s home was always open to family and friends.  In 1980, they retired to White Rock where they became active members of the Star of the Sea Parish. In 2012, Theonilla Miller was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in honour of her significant contributions to her church. While continuing to generously support their entire community; faith, song, celebration and love were the hallmarks of their lives.

Not a day will pass where Theo won’t be missed and not a moment will pass where she won’t continue to be loved.

The family is grateful to Dr. Antonio Benitez-Gomez for his steadfast medical care as well as the staff at Whitecliff Retirement Living for tending to Theo’s needs during her final months.  Visitations will be held at Kearney's Columbia-Bowell Chapel (219 6th Street, New Westminster) on Monday, February 23 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held at Good Shepherd Church (2250 - 150 Street, Surrey) in the Fireside Room, Saturday, February 28 at 9:30 a.m.  The Funeral Mass will be held at Good Shepherd Church on Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 a.m. with a reception to follow in the atrium of the church. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.


THEONILLA MILLER FAMILY MEMBERS
1.SHARON and Ed Arnold
Stephen and Susan Arnold - David, Sister Marie John Paul (Denise) and Katherine Arnold
Carolyn and Bruce Cousins - Paul, Laura and Scott Cousins
David and Donna Lee Arnold - Joel Browne (son of Donna Lee)
Joanne and John Vedova - Zoe and Isabella Vedova

2.MICHAEL and Beverley Miller
Cynthia and James Mitchell - Stephanie and Nathan Mitchell
Jennifer Miller and son, Zachary Naish
Deborah and Michael Hoppenbrouwer - Jacob, Kaitlyn and Paige Hoppenbrouwer

3.JOHN and Nadine (Dee) Miller
Peter and Christine Miller - Alexa and John James II (J.J.) Miller
Matthew and Stephanie Miller -  Michael and Sophie Reese Miller

4.GWENDALYN Miller and Dennis Brothen
Gerry and Kara Honigman - Alec, Elias and Vaughn Honigman
Trevor and Terri Honigman -  Meghan Townley (dtr of Terri), Joshua and Julia Honigman
Derek Honigman

5.GREGORY and Patricia (Pat/Patsy) Miller
Thomas Miller

6.MARIE and John Hoare
Connie Phillips - Helena and Jonathon Phillips
Amanda and Justin Smith - Carter and Logan Smith
Jamie Hoare

7.RICHARD and Kathy Miller
Christine and Ryan LeDrew - Ryder LeDrew
Rick Miller
Bob Miller
Angela Miller and Steve Chamaa
A.J. (Anthony) Miller

8.MARK and Eleanor Miller
Nicholas Miller
Rachael Miller
Michael Miller

9.LEONARD and Dorothy Miller
Pamela and Hasheel Shah - Ethan, Clara and Maximus Shah
Ryan Miller
Jacob and Erica Miller
Victor Miller
Samuel Miller