Elaine Coasta Miller (née Werner), age 89, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, in San Jose, California.
Born on April 18, 1936, in Lone Pine, California, Elaine was the beloved daughter of Bertha (née Biederman) and Ross Werner. During her early childhood, she moved with her family to Oakland, CA, where she spent her formative years. She graduated from Castlemont High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University—an academic journey that laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to education.
Elaine began her career in Ridgecrest, CA, teaching English at Burroughs High School, where she met Donald Miller, who was stationed at China Lake Naval Weapons Station. The two were married in 1965 and soon settled in San Jose. Their marriage marked the beginning of a rich life together centered around family and many close friends. Elaine continued her teaching career in San Jose at Brett Harte Junior High School before she and Don welcomed two sons. She returned to teaching at Denman Day School in Cupertino and, later, Foss School in San Jose. After the family moved to Monte Sereno in 1978, Elaine taught English as a Second Language at Sunnyvale Middle School in Sunnyvale until retiring in 1993. Her passion for language and education touched countless lives over the years and left a lasting impact on students from diverse backgrounds. Elaine had an enormous love for animals (8 dogs and 6 cats over the years) and the outdoors. The family spent summer vacations camping with friends and, later, taking road trips with the dogs to the northwest and Canada. Elaine and Don moved to Almaden Valley in San Jose in 1999.
Elaine was a devoted mother to her two sons, Craig Miller (Debbie) and Kirk Miller (Steve), and stepson Brad Miller (Margo). She also cherished her role as grandmother to six grandchildren. Her love for her family and friends was unwavering.
Elaine was preceded in death by Donald Miller, her husband of 34 years. She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother and as a dear friend and dedicated teacher whose warmth and wisdom enriched the lives of those around her. Burial will be at Los Gatos Memorial Park, Los Gatos, and a celebration of Elaine's life will be held in the coming months.
Elaine's memory will live on in those who knew and loved her.
Born on April 18, 1936, in Lone Pine, California, Elaine was the beloved daughter of Bertha (née Biederman) and Ross Werner. During her early childhood, she moved with her family to Oakland, CA, where she spent her formative years. She graduated from Castlemont High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University—an academic journey that laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to education.
Elaine began her career in Ridgecrest, CA, teaching English at Burroughs High School, where she met Donald Miller, who was stationed at China Lake Naval Weapons Station. The two were married in 1965 and soon settled in San Jose. Their marriage marked the beginning of a rich life together centered around family and many close friends. Elaine continued her teaching career in San Jose at Brett Harte Junior High School before she and Don welcomed two sons. She returned to teaching at Denman Day School in Cupertino and, later, Foss School in San Jose. After the family moved to Monte Sereno in 1978, Elaine taught English as a Second Language at Sunnyvale Middle School in Sunnyvale until retiring in 1993. Her passion for language and education touched countless lives over the years and left a lasting impact on students from diverse backgrounds. Elaine had an enormous love for animals (8 dogs and 6 cats over the years) and the outdoors. The family spent summer vacations camping with friends and, later, taking road trips with the dogs to the northwest and Canada. Elaine and Don moved to Almaden Valley in San Jose in 1999.
Elaine was a devoted mother to her two sons, Craig Miller (Debbie) and Kirk Miller (Steve), and stepson Brad Miller (Margo). She also cherished her role as grandmother to six grandchildren. Her love for her family and friends was unwavering.
Elaine was preceded in death by Donald Miller, her husband of 34 years. She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother and as a dear friend and dedicated teacher whose warmth and wisdom enriched the lives of those around her. Burial will be at Los Gatos Memorial Park, Los Gatos, and a celebration of Elaine's life will be held in the coming months.
Elaine's memory will live on in those who knew and loved her.
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