Heather Milliken Daina

Heather Leigh Milliken Daina, 77, of Avon, formerly of Cleveland, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Avon Oaks Caring Community in Avon.
Heather was born on December 22, 1946, in Peekskill, New York to Alexander Richard Milliken and Shirley Covert Milliken. Heather was a graduate of Kingston High School, Kingston, New York, Class of 1964. She went to Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois where she graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in French. After college, she moved to Cleveland with the encouragement of her best friend. She continued her education at Cleveland State University, earning a Master of Science in Urban Studies in 1976 and Master of Business Administration in 1986. Heather had a 33 year long, dedicated career working for Cuyahoga County, retiring as a Personnel Administrator for the Board of County Commissioners in 2002.

Heather was a long-time member of Rocky River Presbyterian Church in Rocky River. She was also a 50+ year member of Corvette Cleveland. She was a generous supporter of the arts in Cleveland.
Heather enjoyed her time with friends, never missing a birthday or milestone. She loved cats, crafts, walking, riding her bike, and anything miniature. She was known for her baking and delicious desserts. She could always be found helping and volunteering all while never wanting to be in the limelight. She was a gentle soul who was unceasingly selfless, kind, and generous with anything she could give or do. She welcomed everyone into her home with such care and generosity, especially "Mrs. D's boys." Above all, Heather loved and cherished her family, and delighted in being a mother and grandmother.

Heather will be deeply missed by her spouse George, son Eric (Natasha) Daina of Avon, grandchildren Orest and Nina Daina, brother Craig Milliken of Boca Raton, Florida, sister-in-law Ingeborg Milliken of Plymouth, Minnesota, nieces, a nephew, and many close friends.

Other than her parents, Heather was preceded in death by her older brother Alexander "Aleck" R. Milliken in 2014.

Her family will receive friends at the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain on Sunday, July 21st from 3 to 7 P.M. Visitation will continue at Rocky River Presbyterian Church, 21750 Detroit Road, Rocky River on Monday, July 22nd at 10 A.M. until time of service at 11 A.M. Rev. Dr. Peter Lawson will officiate. She will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Peekskill, New York.

The family would like to send their sincerest thanks to the caring staff of Avon Oaks Caring Community for their dedicated and compassionate care, and for kindness to her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Avon Oaks Activity Fund, 37800 French Creek Road, Avon, Ohio 44011.
For expressions of sympathy and further information please see, Reidyfuneral.com.