Mary Miller

Mary Miller, 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on March 5, 2018. She is survived by her daughter, Julie, and granddaughter, Sarah.

Mary was born in 1929 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. As a teenager during World War II, Mary was a volunteer with the British Women’s Land Army (WLA). In her role with the WLA, she harvested potatoes on a farm near Blackburn. Mary enjoyed walking through the countryside, where she could pick wild flowers to take home to Blackburn.

Mary excelled in school, and eventually became a bookkeeper. She worked in that position at several of Blackburn’s textile mills.

In her late twenties, Mary moved with her husband to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he was offered a job in transportation logistics. A decade later, the company moved the couple and their young daughter, Julie, to Des Moines where it had an office.

Mary loved gardening and feeding the many birds and squirrels that inhabited trees in the front yard of her Beaverdale home. Over the years, she rescued several stray dogs and cats who also made their way into her yard.

When she wasn’t gardening or caring for animals, Mary spent her time reading, knitting, making crafts, and collecting knick-knacks. She also enjoyed listening to NPR and watching public television.

Mary was a very kind, generous, and loving person who will be forever missed.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, there will be no funeral. To celebrate her spirit, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805.  218-727-3555.