THERESA MARY HAMMARSTRAND MILLER (DUPONT)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

THERESA MARY HAMMARSTRAND MILLER (nee DUPONT) October 23, 1922- September 23, 2013 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Terry Miller at Concordia Hospital, following a lengthy illness. Terry was predeceased by her parents Omer and Constance Dupont, siblings Edna Mae, Hector and Jean and her first husband Edward Hammarstrand, as well as many in-laws. Theresa is survived by her husband Rev. Donald Miller, children Bruce (David), Karen (Doug) and Catherine, Tim Miller (Anne) and Margaret West (Randy), special son from Ghana, Jim Mensah (Paulina), and grandchildren Andrew (Ashley), Anders, Monica, Stephanie, Ava, Tim, Zach, Alex, Christian, Mary , Sarah and Elizabeth, and great-grandchild Emma. Mom will also be missed by in-laws Greta Johansson, Irene Belanger, Edgar Dupont (Rolande), Yvonne Dupont, and many nieces and nephews. Theresa was born in Goodfare, Alberta, but moved early in life, and grew up in Powerview, MB. This is where she developed her love of nature and the simple things in life, as well as a good golf swing working in the pro shop. At a young age she moved to Winnipeg to be closer to her dad in Deer Lodge hospital. She joined the army, and was stationed at Fort Osborne Barracks, rising to the station of Sargent-Major. Upon leaving the army at the end of the war, she was awarded a scholarship (for having the second highest IQ score in the Canadian services), put it towards a secretarial course and worked as administrative assistant to the head of the school of nursing at General Hospital until meeting and marrying Edward in 1955. They had three children (Bruce, Karen and Catherine); Edward died in 1975, and in 1977 Theresa married Rev. Donald Miller, who had two children, Tim and Margaret. Terry was a natural athlete, enjoying golf, skating, bowling, swimming and cross-country skiing. She loved to sing and also to dance; she was a gourmet cook and was a consummate hostess as well as a natural artist. Terry had a great kinship with nature, a love she passed along to her children. Terry loved the cottage she and Ed bought at Barrier Bay in 1956 (where she enjoyed cooking on a wood stove and doing laundry in grandma's wringer washer). Later she enjoyed the winter home she and Donald bought in Mesa, Arizona and travelled to for 17 years. Although she was by nature a woman of simple tastes and needs, she did love her clothes and always dressed elegantly. Terry was a wonderful mother and wife, always putting family first. In the role of a pastor's wife, Terry was a natural, compassionate helpmate to many, consistently taking the side of the underdog, and helping others as she could. That goodness was returned to her during her lengthy illness by the excellent, compassionate care she was given bys many wonderful people, especially the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Home Care Team led by Arly Jones (supervisor), Dr. Paul Sawchuck and nurse Jan Williams. We also want to thank Terry's most recent home care providers Olga, Kirstie, Sandra, Evelynn, Cristie Lee, Sherry and Susan as well as a host of others who lovingly cared for Terry for over seven years while she was confined to a wheelchair. At this time, the family would like to thank those who cared for Terry in her final days at Concordia Hospital, including Drs. Sawchuk and Duprat and the nursing team on the 3rd floor, section D, who were a real blessing to the family during a difficult time. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 211 Kimberley Ave., on Thursday, September 26 at 11:00 a.m. A private family interment will take place following the service at Chapel Lawn Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Siloam Mission, Lutheran World Relief or the Salvation Army. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 NEILBARDALINC.COM

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2013