Obituary of Frances C. Miller

age 97, departed this earth Tuesday morning, October 5, 2021. Born October 24, 1923, in Elmira Heights to Karl and Anastasia Wojtyna, she was the youngest of their six children--Caroline, Lida, Joe, Stella and Casimir--all of whom predeceased her. Fran is survived by children, Tom Miller (Elmira), Carolyn Mertens (David) of Belleville, WI, and several nieces and nephews. Especially important to Fran were her four beloved grandchildren: John Miller (Portland, OR), Christa Mertens Evans and Lawrence (Durham, NC) and Paul Mertens (Waukesha, WI). Matthew Miller, the fourth and eldest grandchild, died seven years ago in a tragic bicycle accident. His son, Holden Miller (Boston, MA), is a dear great-grandson. All were very loved by her, and she derived great enjoyment from visiting Christa and Paul in Wisconsin and baking cookies, cakes and pies for her Elmira grandchildren, Matt and John. Fran graduated Thomas Edison HS and Elmira Business Institute and worked until marrying Thomas Miller and settling into the home he was building on Newtown St. Tragically, he died very unexpectedly after only ten years of marriage, and Fran suddenly was a single mom with no income. The family story of Fran selflessly raising her two children and somehow managing to scrape together the where-with-all to provide for a cozy home and all the necessities is a tale of maternal devotion and self-sacrifice. Eventually Fran found employment as a very popular bank teller at the good old Elmira Savings and Loan, where for thirty years she enjoyed her work and her amiable co-workers. After retirement, Fran committed to volunteering, making a difference. Among her numerous contributions were: literacy volunteer at Elmira Correctional Facility; work at the Catholic Charities, helping to clean St Peter's and Paul's Church, clerical work at Elmira College and Chemung County Health Department and many others. She especially enjoyed making the long trips to visit Carolyn's family in Athens, GA, and later, to rural Wisconsin. As Fran approached her 90th year, dementia diminished her independence, and she entered the Chemung County Nursing Facility, Third Floor, where she received the best, compassionate care from Philip, Faith, Jan, and numerous other dedicated workers whom we greatly appreciate for their exceptional care of our mother. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, Friday, October 8, 2021, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM. A brief prayer service will follow. Interment will then take place at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery.