Hilda Miller

Miller, Hilda (1931 – 2023)

Our mom was incredibly kind, thoughtful, selfless, and generous with an enormous heart full of love for her family and compassion for all whose lives she touched.

We are very sad to announce that our mother passed away April 18th, 2023. She had just celebrated her 92nd birthday on March 4th. There are so many happy memories that make us smile and fill us with pride and we know that in time, the smiles will win over the pain of loss.

Born Hildegard Haimerl to mother Anna (deceased) and father Franz (deceased) Haimerl of Salzburg, Austria on March 4, 1931, husband to Fred Miller (deceased) for 59 years and brother to Anton Gerner (deceased), brother Franz Haimerl (deceased), brother Adalbert Haimerl (deceased) and sister to Elfriede (Haimerl) Groth (deceased). Loving mother to Richard Miller (wife Karen Hutchinson) and Joanne (Miller) Bird (husband Rob). Adored and revered Oma to Alexander Miller, Hanna Bird, Christopher Bird, and Katie Miller.

Like so many immigrants, Mom came to Canada from Austria seeking a better life after the war. She soon met our father and together they forged a lifetime of happiness and accomplishments. Together they lived humbly but proud. Perhaps their greatest source of pride was the house they built and together, with love and deep commitment to family, turned into a home in which they nurtured us – their children. That family home became the cornerstone for family celebrations as our family grew to include our own families. Perhaps her proudest moments were when she was able to embrace her grandchildren and shower them with love and affection.

Some of her grandchildren’s fondest memories are brought back by the aroma of her epic cooking and baking. Growing up in war-time Europe left a mark on her and she always ensured that anybody sitting for a meal at her table would never get up hungry. Generous helpings of all the amazing dishes were hallmarks of the dining experience under her watch. Even friends at the Yacht Club potluck suppers grew to cherish her legendary sauerkraut and potato salads as they were often the first dishes to run out.

Mom loved to enjoy the outdoors and especially loved swimming for hours on end. No doubt that her childhood spent scampering through alpine meadows contributed to building her stamina because no matter how much she gave, she always was able to give more time, love, and affection to her family. 

In the end, while her heart remained strong and filled with love, her body grew too tired to carry on. The staff and residents at St. Gabriel Villa were so wonderfully kind and compassionate as they ensured her final days were safe, comfortable, and filled with love. She endeared herself to all whose lives she touched. Her generous smiles and bright, twinkling eyes quickly put anyone at ease while her compassion, empathy and kindness brightened the lives of all she encountered. The world truly needs more people like our mother.

Mom and Dad worked hard all their life to ensure a secure future for themselves, their family and the next generation. Please consider donating to NEO Kids Foundation   http://www.neokidsfoundation.ca/donate/ in Hilda’s memoriam. She would have appreciated knowing that you too are thinking of the next generation.

Please join us at a Celebration of Life to be held at the Northern Water Sports Centre http://tinyurl.com/y864uhfv on Sunday, July 16th from 1:00-5:00pm.

In the meantime, please honor our mom by hugging someone that means a great deal to you and tell them you love them. That’s what she would do. Cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Hilda Miller, please visit our Tree Store.