Tonya M. (Nill) Miller 1972 - 2021
Little Falls Native
LIVERPOOL - Tonya M. (Nill) Miller, 48, a Little Falls native, passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at her home in Liverpool, NY, due to heart complications.
Tonya was born on December 21, 1972, in Rome, NY, the daughter of Carmelita Aiello of Little Falls and the late Robert Smith. She was educated in Little Falls schools, attended St. Mary's Academy and a graduated from Little Falls High School, "Class of 1991". On October 20, 2001, Tonya was united in marriage with Russell W. Miller at Holy Family Parish, Little Falls. They would have celebrated 20 years of marriage this year. Tonya furthered her education attending SUNY IT where she received a Bachelor's Degree. She was currently employed at Preferred Mutual, New Berlin, where she was a no-fault claims adjuster. She was of the Catholic Faith.
Tonya was a very family oriented woman. If you were friends with her, you were considered family. She was fiercely protective of her loved ones, empathetic and wise. Her smile was warm, unique, welcoming and memorable. She considered her greatest gift being a mom to her son, Quintin and she was his inspiration. Life will truly not be the same without Tonya, but she has left countless beautiful memories to inspire her loved ones, all of whom cherished and adored her. Tonya had faith in her heart, a virtue that was seen in her many kind deeds that are now tucked away in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to have known her.
Survivors include her beloved family: husband, Rus, of Liverpool; her son, Quintin, at home; her mother, Carm Aiello, of Little Falls; her siblings, Robert Aiello and wife, Angela of Mt. Vision, Shaun Smith and fiance, Girley Espinosa, of the Philippines, Jessica Smith and fiance, Drew Magarrell, of Solvay, Nina Congdon and husband, Greg, of Little Falls and Heather Divecchia and husband, Mike, of West Barnstable MA. Tonya was the Godmother to Jade Pendolf, of Little Falls and Bella Dee Aiello, of Mt. Vision. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, many in-laws and dear friends.
Tonya and her family's care have been entrusted to Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5 (corner of Bidelman Road), Little Falls, 315-508-5131.
The family will receive relatives and friends at MVFC on Friday, January 15, 2021 from 4-8 p.m. Tonya's funeral will commence at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 16th from Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Sts., Little Falls, where the Rev. Brian Slezak, Pastor will celebrate her Mass of Christian Burial. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer where she will be laid to rest. COVID-19 regulations will be followed; temperatures will be taken, face masks will be required, social distancing will be observed and physical contact is discouraged.
Rus and Quintin would like to thank the many relatives and friends for all of the kind acts of sympathy extended during this difficult time.
To offer an online note of condolence, please visit
www.mohawkvalleyfunerals.com.

Published by Times Telegram from Jan. 12 to Jan. 14, 2021.