Obituary of Karen Marie Miller

Karen Marie Miller, n’ee Heveron, affectionately known by her husband as, “Admiral,” passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024, in her hometown of Rochester, NY, at the age of 72.  Born on November 4, 1951, in Rochester, Karen was a vibrant, loving soul cherished by all who knew her.

Karen’s early education took place at St. Rita’s Catholic School in West Webster, NY, followed by High School at Our Lady of Mercy, Rochester, NY, from which she graduated in 1969.  She briefly attended Villla Maria College in Erie, PA and Alfred State University in Southern, NY.

Her career was as diverse as her interests, beginning in High School in a local burger stand, transitioning to a nurse’s aide at Hill Haven Nursing Home, and then flourishing in the banking and credit union sector until her retirement in 2018. Her roles ranged from teller, member service representative, to loan processor, loan officer and operations director. Notably, including a position at the White House Federal Credit Union, serving the President, First Lady, the Secret Service, Department of the Treasury and the President’s staff.

A devoted military spouse, Karen supported her husband, Craig A. “Gus” Miller, through 30 years of service in the US Air Force, which included three assignments in Texas, one in the panhandle of Florida, a four-year tour in Wiesbaden, West Germany, and a final seven-year tour in Washington, DC.  Her adaptability and strength were pillars for the family during their multiple relocations and related hardships.

Karens’s zest for life was evident in her hobbies.  And avid reader and puzzle solver, she also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing cards, bowling, shooting steel-tip darts, “soft” gambling, cooking and watching home improvement TV shows.

A sports enthusiast, Karen was a passionate and always vocal fan of the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills, embodying the raucous spirit of the Yankee faithful and Bills Mafia with every game.

Family and friends were the cornerstone of Karen’s world.  She is survived by her loving husband, “Gus” of 53 years, her son Cory (Stephanie) Miller, her siblings Susan (Daryl) Barco, Michael Heveron, Kathleen Heveron, along with sister-in-law Sally (Rudy) Weidert, brother-in-law Tomas (Lisa) Miller and numerous nieces, nephews, her beloved Lab, Billie and a host of friends around the United States.  Preceded in death by her parents, Richard & Leona Heveron, and grandparents.

Karen’s warmth, humor, room illuminating smile, and indomitable, fun-loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and share life’s adventures with her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Ave., Webster, where her Celebration of Life will follow at 7:00 PM. The family invites anyone who wishes to speak about Karen and their bonds to her life to come forward and share their experiences and feelings at the service.  For those not able to attend, you may send written reflections that will be read at the ceremony.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Karen’s memory be made to: Ontario Volunteer Emergency Squad, 6132 Furnace Road, Ontario, NY 14519 (by check) or The Patricia Allen Fund, benefiting the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, 818 Elliot Street, Buffalo, NY 14203.