Josephine Miller

Josephine Miller

Josephine Miller, 82, of Drummond Island, was a devoted homemaker who cared for her children, foster children, and grandchildren. Mrs. Miller died August 29, 2007, one day before her 83rd birthday.

She was born in Hibbing, Minnesota, August 30, 1924, to Michael Pawli and Elizabeth (nee Taylor) Pawli.

In 1927, she moved to Flint with her family. She attended St. Matt Catholic School. She was employed at GM Arms Production during World War II.

She married Paul Miller January 6, 1946. They moved to Drummond Island in 1980.

A lifelong devoted Catholic, Mrs. Miller was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Burton for 28 years and then St. Florence Church on Drummond Island for 27 years. She taught CCD and Youth Group, and was active in many organizations in the church.

Mrs. Miller enjoyed playing bingo and attending senior functions. She prided herself on her homemaking and her cooking, friends said, and loved her children dearly, including the numerous foster children for whom she created a home.

Mrs. Miller leaves behind her loving husband and best friend of 62 years; her daughters and their families Paula and Tim Hippert of Whitehall, Montana, and Denise and John Aitkens of Burton; three sons and their families, John Miller of Flint, Mark and Lori Miller of Drummond Island, and Lawrence and Heidi Miller of Sault Ste. Marie; two foster sons and their families, Al and Joan Hoffman of Grand Blanc, and Kenny Hoffman of Flint; and two brothers and their families, Frank and Ruth Pawli of Charlotte and Paul Pawli of Harrisville. Mrs. Miller is also survived by 22 grandchildren, Lon, Michael, Norman, Jamie, Jeremy, Chris, Catherine, Jesse, Paul, John, Andy, Alex, Mark, Denny, Crystal, Michael, Nathaniel, Christian, Hunter, Sierra, Al, and Angela, 24 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, whom she cherished, friends said.

Mrs. Miller was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Elizabeth Pawli, her son, Michael Miller, her daughter, Kathy Cote, and a brother, Vincent Pawli.

Visitation was Monday, September 3, at St. Florence Church on Drummond Island from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at 3 p.m. with Father George V. Vaniyepurackal celebrant. Burial took place at Drummond Island Cemetery following Mass.

Memorials may be left to the St. Florence Church on Drummond Island.

Reamer Galer Funeral Home of Pickford assisted the family with arrangements.