Obituary of Gail E. Miller

     Gail E. Miller, 75, of N. Utica, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at the Katherine Luther Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Clinton.

     Gail was born in Utica, on May 25, 1948, the daughter of Charles W. and Clara Elizabeth (Macomber) Miller. She was raised and educated in Utica, was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School and Utica College. She continued her education, earning her master’s degree in education from SUNY Oneonta. Gail began her teaching career at Frankfort Central Schools and later accepted a position in the Catholic School System where she taught several years at Mount Carmel School. She continued her teaching career at Notre Dame High School where she taught World History, before becoming a member of the Guidance Department and finishing her tenure as Associate Principal. While at Notre Dame, she wore many hats, serving as manager of the bookstore, yearbook advisor, and member of their folk group. Gail loved working with young people and enjoyed teaching and guiding them on their path to adulthood. She certainly made a difference in the lives of many of her students. After she retired from Notre Dame in 2007, she worked in the office of Historic Old St. John’s Church in Utica. Gail was a devoted parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church, where she was a member of the church choir and served as chairwoman of the parish bazaar for many years. Gail was a fifty-year member, singer and current President of the Utica Maennerchor. She also served for many years as chorus chairwoman, several years as director of the kinderchorus, and for the past 9 years, as the Chairwoman of the Bavarian Festival. Gail also served 25 years, as the New York State Saegerbund Bundes (German singing group) Music Committee Chairperson. She truly dedicated a large portion of her adult life to the continuation of the German culture and German music. Among her many accomplishments, her church and beloved dogs where closest to Gail’s heart.

     Miss Miller is survived by her sister, Diane Murphy of Liverpool; cousin, Mary Theresa Meyers and her husband Patrick of Whitesboro as well as many dear friends.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Gail’s funeral Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Historic Old St. John’s Church in Utica. She will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro. Visitation for family and friends is Thursday, August 31^st from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica.

     Those wishing to make a donation in Gail’s memory, please consider the Utica Maennerchor, 5535 Flanagan Rd., Marcy, NY 13403.