Doreen Miller

Doreen K. Miller, longtime Stillwater resident, passed away on January 4th at age 95. Her early background in a music-loving family inspired her throughout her career and personal life. At Northwestern University, she earned degrees in music and music education and continued her studies in dance and drama. Doreen was an expressive singer, dancer, choreographer, and pianist. She promoted the performing arts for decades in the towns where she lived as a dedicated instructor who worked with individuals and groups of all ages through schools, workshops, organizations, and churches. She originated, directed and performed in countless music, drama and dance programs. Locally she was also a vocal director and general music teacher at the Stillwater Junior High School. Her choreography work included a prominent role in introducing and cultivating liturgical dance throughout Minnesota, other states and abroad for over fifty years. She performed as a soloist and with her Ecumenical Dance Trio, and was the Interpretive Dance Coordinator at Stillwater's First United Methodist Church. As an active church member, she also served as piano accompanist, choir director, established a youth choir, and served on worship committees. Doreen and her husband Dean raised two children and loved family life in their North Hill neighborhood. They traveled extensively, patronized area arts organizations, and volunteered in church and community activities to help make a difference. Doreen shared her talents and spirit of fun generously, bringing pleasure and inspiration to many. She was a warm, wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. Her thoughtful, witty, creative, bright, caring personality will be dearly missed. Survived by daughter Kristine Miller Helm (Charles), son Gregory Miller (Candice), granddaughter Katie Miller, cousins Shirley (Ron) Konsor, Rosie (Duane) Harren, and Douglas (Karen) MacArthur; additional relatives and friends. Predeceased by parents Alvin and Ella Conner, brother Willard Conner, and husband G. Dean Miller. In lieu of flowers, donations to support the music programs at Stillwater's public schools may be made in Doreen Miller's memory to The Partnership Plan (partnershipplan.org or P.O. Box 582, Stillwater, MN 55082). Memorial service 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 20th, First United Methodist Church, 813 W. Myrtle St., Stillwater, MN. Lunch to follow.