Elizabeth Miller- A Celebration of her Life

Lillian Rairigh

May 17, 2020

As we observe the passing of Elizabeth Miller, just shy of her 88th birthday, on Wednesday May 13, 2020 in Monument, CO we would like to take a look back and celebrate her incredible life.

She began her journey July 2, 1932 in Frackville, PA, as the cherished child of the late John and Dorcella Conestrina. As a child she enjoyed spending time with her cousins, reading, and participating in a variety of small town activities. Elizabeth attended high school in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After graduating in 1950, she met and began dating a handsome young man named, Philip Miller. By coincidence, they had attended the same high school but never spoke. After high school Elizabeth attended Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA where she was an active member of the Kappa Delta Kappa Sorority. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in 1954 in Political Science; and returned to Harrisburg to begin her teaching career at Susquehanna High School.

In 1959, she married the man of her dreams and began the next phase of her life as Mrs. Elizabeth Miller. Shortly after, the first of their three children, Edwards was born in Kansas City, MO.  Lillian entered the world a year later as the young family was preparing to relocate to Rochester, NY. Six years later their second daughter Elizabeth joined the family.

In 1968, Elizabeth and family became Delaware residents. She was actively involved in her children’s activities, including Cub Scout, Girl Scouts, Marching Band and especially young Elizabeth’s Dressage and Cross Country riding. Due to her love of teaching, she returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher and loved every moment of it. When she wasn’t shaping pupils, she could be found playing Bridge and crocheting.

As her children grew up and left the nest, Elizabeth and Philip enjoyed traveling. They particularly enjoyed their visit to Ireland. But it was no secret their greatest passion was going to Disneyworld. Every year they went to Disneyworld to experience the magic, a joy that she later shared with her six grandchildren.

In 1993 she and her husband embarked on another fantastic journey – retirement! Their destination was Monument, Colorado. It was something about the fresh, mountain air and wide-open spaces that drew them. Again, they shared their love of the west with their grandchildren and each summer took them on an adventure.

Elizabeth Miller had an adventurous spirit and a heart that yearned to teach. She is survived by her loving husband, Philip Miller, 87, of Monument, Colorado and will be missed by her three children, Edwards Miller (Monument, CO), Lillian Rairigh (Middletown, DE) and Elizabeth Buiano (Monument, CO). Elizabeth’s memory will live on through her six grandchildren – Keith Dolan, James Dolan, Christine Travers, Thomas Rivers, Geoffrey Rairigh and Mary Rairigh. She also had three greatgrandchildren – Oliver Travers, Hunter Dolan and Lucy Dolan.

Elizabeth will be missed by all that knew and loved her.