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Noreen Miller Obituary

Miller, Noreen D.
Noreen Davitt Miller passed away at her home in Rolling Hills, California on December 4, 2012 after a long and spirited battle with cancer. She was 64 years old. Beloved wife of Thomas Miller, mother of Whitney R. MacLaughlin and Andrew D. Miller, and mother-in-law to Dr. Brian W. MacLaughlin, Noreen proudly welcomed her first grandchild, Nathaniel Brennan MacLaughlin to this world in January. Born Noreen Davitt Swope in Philadelphia on September 7, 1948 to Dorothy and Thomas Swope, she lived in many cities around the country while growing up and with her husband of 40 years, Thom. They were residents of Darien from 1981 to 1993. Noreen is survived not only by her immediate family, but by a wide circle of friends including many in Darien to whom she was devoted and in whom she found great joy. Professionally, she taught history, English and language arts at Oakley Park Elementary School in Walled Lake, Michigan, the Belmont School in Chicago, Stuart Hall Academy for Boys in San Francisco and in later years as a substitute at Rolling Hills Country Day in Rolling Hills Estates, California. Her greatest passions in addition to family and friends were her garden and gourmet cooking for which she was perhaps best known and most admired by those who experienced the pleasure of dining at her table. Active in many charities, Noreen's primary causes were the Las Candalistas volunteer organization in Palos Verdes, CA and Providence Trinity Care Hospice of Southern California in whose loving care she spent the final weeks of her life. She served on the boards of both organizations.
A private burial ceremony was held at Green Hills in Rancho Palos Verdes followed by a reception at the Palos Verdes Country Club on December 11th.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Noreen's memory to the following organizations:
Las Candalistas
P.O. Box 3655
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 80274
Trinity Care Hospice Foundation
2601 Airport Drive Suite 230
Torrance, CA 90505

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Darien News on Dec. 14, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Noreen Miller

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Erik Hom

December 8, 2022

You can never forget your middle school teacher. 10 years ago.... Thank you Ms. Miller, your Stuart Hall family remembers you fondly

Robert Berger

June 24, 2013

I went to work with Thom at Ketchum Communications in San Francisco in the early 1980's and have wonderful memories of how welcoming Noreen and Thom were in my transition from New York. Sadly, I lost touch over the years and only recently learned the sad news of Noreen's passing from a mutual friend in the Bay Area. My belated condolences to Noreen's family and close friends who must miss her dearly.

March 25, 2013

Fond memories of a wonderful ZTA sister at Michigan State! Love to your family, Annie Gray Reynolds

Terrie and Carlos Rosales

December 14, 2012

We were deeply saddened to learn of Noreen's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

December 12, 2012

We are saddened to hear of Noreen's passing. Her warm personality will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Tom Merritt & Jeanne Kula

Preston Bealle

December 11, 2012

Thom, Whitney and Drew--Noreen was an exceptionally ardent friend of about 35 years who never failed to extend her kindness and energy to us and so many others. We're grateful to have lived close to her in San Francisco and Darien,CT and sorry that we have been separated by many miles since then. Our stories and feelings about Noreen have been expressed in a note you'll receive and meanwhile, we're all thinking about you and our long friendship. Preston and Kim Bealle

Joan Head

December 9, 2012

Loved by all who knew her. Missed by all her knew her.

December 7, 2012

A great friend, mother, grandmother and wife...Noreen was all of these and more and will be deeply missed by all who knew her! Our sincerest condolences to the family. With much love, Donna and Bob

Carla McGriff (Miller)

December 7, 2012

We are deeply saddened at the passing of Noreen. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all her family and friends.
She will be greatly missed.

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