NORA K. MILLER M.D.

Nora K. Miller, M.D. of Algonquin Nora K. Miller, M.D., 86, passed away peacefully at Sherman West Court in Elgin on Friday, March 2, 2012. She was born in Elgin on Aug. 26, 1925, to Frank and Vlasta (nee Kostelecky) Kirchman of Algonquin. She was a lifelong resident of Algonquin, Ill. Dr. Miller was the valedictorian of the 1943 Class of Dundee High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947 with a double major in zoology and chemistry from North Central College in Naperville. In 1951, she earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she was one of only a handful of female medical students. Her post doctorate studies and certifications included a general internship at St. Anthony's Hospital and OB/GYN training at Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Ill. In January I953, she married Warren C. Miller, M.D. She began her practice in Algonquin in 1953, alongside her aunt, Libuse Bliss, M.D. Dr. Miller practiced general medicine in Algonquin her entire career. She was on staff at Sherman and St. Joseph Hospitals in Elgin, where she was involved in numerous committees. In 1976, she was named president of the medical staff at St. Joseph Hospital. Over the course of her career, Dr. Miller delivered thousands of babies including three sets of triplets, an unusual occurrence for the times. She retired in 2002. Dr. Miller was extremely devoted to community service. Among her several contributions were her many years of service with Altrusa International, Elgin; over 25 years on the Algonquin Library Board, for which the "Dr. Miller" room is named; and as an active participant in numerous other clinics, services and committees. She was a member of many professional organizations including being a life member - Fifty Year Club of the American Medical Association. Dr. Miller was honored for her contributions to the community having been named Algonquin Founders Honoree; the Algonquin Woman's Club Woman of the Year; and earning the Elgin YMCA's, Woman of the Year award. Dr. Miller was preceded in death by her husband in 1969; her parents; and her brother, Calvin. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara June (Dr. Michael Muszynski) Miller and son, Warren (Anne) Miller; her grandchildren, Lt. Michael Miller (USMC), Brittany (M.Todd) Harbuck and Thomas Miller; her brother, Frank Kirchman; her aunt, Jarmilla Stark; her uncle, James (Blanche) Verunac; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Visitation will be Tuesday, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, West Dundee. Private funeral services followed by interment in Algonquin Cemetery will be held Wednesday. Memorials may be given to the Algonquin Area Public Library, the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, Altrusa International Club of Elgin or the First United Methodist Church, West Dundee. For information, 847-426-3436.