Karen Louise Miller

Karen Louise Miller was called to eternal rest on December 3, 2024, at her residence in Vale, North Carolina at the age of 79, following a three-month battle with her second brain tumor. She was lovingly cared for by her husband and children throughout her illness and devotedly surrounded by her family in her final days. 

Karen was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1945, the feast of Saint Cecilia (Christian martyr and patron saint of music) in St. Louis, Missouri, to Bill and Viola Duncan. Soon after her birth her family moved to San Diego where she grew up, attended school, worked, met and married her beloved husband, Doug Miller. In short order, they were very busy with their growing family, as Karen dedicated herself to caring for their young children and Doug worked his way through medical school and residency. They fell in love with the North Carolina mountains and southern culture after Doug’s residency and settled on Hickory as the place for Doug to establish his medical practice and raise their twelve children. 

The oldest of five children, Karen, was devoted to her younger siblings and a ready source of support for them from their earliest years. In like manner, she gave of herself to her children, generously and selflessly providing them with every good opportunity and experience. Her prayers and sacrifices for the physical, and in particular, the spiritual well-being of her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and friends is something they will always treasure about her. 

Known for her passionate nature; Karen embraced and advocated for what is true, good and beautiful. She had a sharp wit and love for the arts, including literature, painting, and theatre— but especially music. Her singing was truly a gift and brought her great joy. Her whole family agrees that some of their fondest memories are her singing to them. Karen lived for her family, but even more so for Jesus. Along with self-sacrificing love, she recognized the importance of the sacramental life, trusting God, and trying to do His will above all else. She loved reading about the lives of the saints and gained strength for her own journey from their powerful witness. She knew that heaven was the ultimate goal and her true and lasting home. We pray together that God may swiftly bring His beloved daughter to be with Him for all eternity. 

Karen is survived by her cherished husband, Doug, of 54 years; her 12 children and their spouses: Lara Katherine, Julie (David) Brittain, Matt (Denise), Katie (David) Vaccaro, Danny (Brooke), Maria (Nate) Dunmore, Father David Miller, Nick, Meg (Trevor) Whetstone, Anna (James) Byrd, Sharon, and Liz; her 32 grandchildren: Justus, Anna, Andrew, Alex, Jacob, Nick, Simon, Claire, Maria, Audrey, Rosie, Davey, Sarah, Aliya, Sarah, Christian, Caden, Devin, Maia, Anthony, Emma, Claire, Thomas, Lizzy, Dominic, Lily, Rafa, Jack, Sammy, Siena, Felicity, and Marcy; her two great-grandchildren: Sparrow and Alice; her siblings: Jane, John, and Pat; and her nephew, Shaun. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her youngest sister, Christine.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM Monday, December 16, 2024, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Hickory with Father David Miller and Father James Collins presiding, with reception to follow. A Private Graveside will be held at Miller Family Cemetery.

St. Aloysius Catholic Church – 921 2nd St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com