Esther Florence Miller

Obituary Esther F. Miller Esther Florence Orlando Miller...born to Virginia and Frank Orlando in their family home on Hosmer Street, Tacoma, on March 3, 1926, died on April 25, 2010 at Tacoma General Hospital surrounded by family. Mom was raised in an Italian community whose values of faith, family and friends permeated her entire life. Lincoln High School nurtured her love for learning and life experiences fueled her passion for knowledge. She married our dad, Les, following the war years and for forty-four years created wonderful memories of family life. She was a special mother to Carol Costanza (husband, Mike), John Miller (wife, Pam) and Frank Miller (wife, Carrie). A loving grandmother to Frank (Holly), John (Amy) and Ryan Prosser, Brian Costanza (Sarah), Michael Miller (Kami), Matthew Miller, Allyson (fiancé, Tony Magano), Mallory, Nicholas, Sammy Miller, and great-grandchildren, Gabi, Gracie, Nico and Charlotte. Her siblings have always been an integral part of her life. They are Robert Orlando and wife Judy; JoAnn Armour and husband John; Mary Jean Rovai and husband Robert (deceased); Amelia Costanti (deceased) and husband Louis; Lena Rordan and husband Edward (both deceased). Mom treasured all of her nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. St. Rita's Catholic Church was her parish for eighty-four years and witnessed all of her major life events. Mom had many friends who gathered around her throughout her entire life up to the day she left us. She loved working for Tacoma School District, for many years at CAB as the librarian manager of the third floor curriculum library, and her remaining years at Stadium as a secretary to two very special Athletic directors, Dennis and Jim. Her coworkers became close friends. She retired as a part time worker at age seventy-six and would have still been there had she been able. Our family would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Needham Ward and his associates from Cardiac Study Group and the 8th floor Cardiac Care Unit nursing staff at Tacoma General. A special thank you to Dr. Lon Annest who supported and guided us throughout her illness. Your caring and gentleness will always be remembered. Thank you all! The Rosary will be on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 7:00 pm at St. Rita's Catholic Church followed by the funeral mass on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to St. Leo Food Connection Back Pack for Kids program or the Peace Community Center at 2106 So. Cushman.