Judith Miller

Miller, Judith HostetleR Newman Judith Hostetler Newman Miller, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2011, comforted by family and friends at Village Crossings, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. She had struggled for years with declining mobility due to a degenerative nerve condition. Despite increasing difficulties over the years, Judy was a vibrant, active member of the Village Crossings community. Judy was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 28, 1932, the daughter of Paul and Vi Hostetler. Judy's formative years were spent in New England, particularly Connecticut. She attended Lyman Hall High School in Northford, Connecticut, graduating in 1950. She later attended the University of Connecticut. Judy married Laurence S. Newman, Jr., of Hamden, Connecticut and raised 4 children in Dayton, Ohio. In Dayton, she resumed her education and became a respiratory therapist, rising in her profession to head the department of respiratory therapy at Kettering Hospital. In that position, Judy travelled internationally to help establish respiratory therapy departments in developing countries. She retired from Kettering Hospital in 1989 to return to Connecticut to care for her aging parents. There she was remarried, to Gordon Miller, of Northford, Connecticut. Widowed and diagnosed with a progressive neurological disorder, Judy relocated to Maine in 2003 to be closer to family. Judy was known for rising to the occasion and inspiring others by her example to embrace life, its challenges and opportunities. She was a tireless worker and volunteer, bringing creativity and energy to all tasks she undertook. Despite her physical decline, Judy actively pursued new opportunities, finding multiple ways to channel her natural curiosity and artistic creativity. In May 2011, she was recognized in Augusta, Maine at the State House for her lifetime achievements. Judy is predeceased by her first husband, Laurence S. Newman Jr., and her second husband, Gordon Miller. She is survived by her brother Blair Hostetler, of Sydney, Australia, four children Tracy Carroll, of Scarborough, Maine; Roberta Newman, of Springfield, Virginia; Patricia Robey, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; William Newman, of Essex Junction, Vermont; her two stepchildren, Charlotte Richardson and Beck Miller, and seven grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Beacon Hospice or the Parkinson Association. The family would like to thank Judy's extended family at Village Crossings for their wonderful support and care. She loved the residents and staff, and we know they loved her in return. There will be a memorial service at Village Crossings on Thursday, August 25th, at 2pm.