Doreen H. (Murphy) Miller

Creative, talented, organized, life-long learner, traveler, collector of treasures and family oriented are just some of the words to describe Doreen Helen Miller.

Born in Northampton, PA, Doreen was the daughter of the late Helen Mae and Marvin Otto Murphy. Doreen was a 1949 graduate of Whitehall High School.

After raising her five children, Doreen spent her career in the Whitehall-Coplay School District in the high school library as the assistant to the library teacher. She loved her work in the library as she was an avid reader and a student of literature herself. She also worked in the high school office as a secretarial assistant to the school administrators. It was at Whitehall High School that Doreen gained much respect for her positive relationships with students and staff and where she made many lifelong friends.

During her active community years, Doreen was one of the early members of the Whitehall Woman’s Club and served as secretary for many years, chaired committees and organized events. She was also a member of the Whitehall Historical Society, Red Hats Society, the Class of 1949 reunion committee and Rose Croix #235 PA Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Doreen served on the altar guild at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, attended Bible study and frequently assisted with committees, events and activities at the church.

As an enthusiastic traveler, Doreen traveled to many countries and US states and always brought back collectables that represented that country or state. In particular, she was a passionate collector of “snow people” filling glass cabinets with uniquely designed and unusual snow people, many of them works of art collected on trips. Andy Smith and Will Moses were Doreen’s favorite artists of country scenes. Her most enjoyable hobby was decorating her home so that it looked like a photo from a magazine due to her talent for placing everything in just the right place. Doreen’s sewing skills were great as she was able to construct the most beautiful clothing for her young daughters with detail and perfection. In later years, she began to paint seasonal and holiday canvases with surprising talent! Playing cards with Doreen was playing at your own risk as she was an expert pinochle and rummy player.

Doreen’s favorite summer excursion was to visit Long Beach Island, NJ where she enjoyed watching and listening to the waves and seagulls, visiting the lighthouse and shopping for treasures. Attending horse shows, sports events, concerts and long car rides with family to take in autumn’s-colored leaves and festive holiday lights were a highlight for her.

Doreen always said that her greatest accomplishment was raising her five children. There was never a birthday missed with the tradition of ice cream (her favorite dessert) and cake. She will be missed by her family and many friends, and she will be remembered for her time freely given to family, friends and community.

Doreen was predeceased by her husband, Donald, and her sons, David and Dean. She was predeceased by her sister Winifred Bradford and brother James Murphy. She is survived by daughters Donna Scholtis and husband Dennis of Laurys Station; Diane Conklin and husband Mark of Washington Township and Dawn Seier and husband Albert of Lehigh Township; and daughter-in-law, Janet Miller of North Whitehall Township; grandchildren Leigh Scheirer, Gina Johnson and Scott Seier; and great-granddaughter Olivia Helen Newhard.

A Service in celebration of Doreen’s life officiated by Rev. June E. Wann will be held at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church at 3355 MacArthur Rd, Whitehall, PA 18052 on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., where her viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers during this season of Lent, please consider donations to Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church at the address above or Bonded By Strength Equine Rescue 772 Heck Hill Road, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania 17339 online at www.bbser.org

The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall
is honored to handle her arrangements