MaryJane Miller

1935 - 2025

MaryJane Miller

Chesterfield, MA - MaryJane (Curtis) Miller, born on February 12, 1935, passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 11, 2025, in Chesterfield, Massachusetts. She was the eldest of five children born to Forrest and Anna (Betty) Curtis and grew up on South Street and Sweeney Road, assisting her father with farming and sugaring while helping to raise her younger siblings.

MaryJane attended a one-room schoolhouse on South Street, where she was the sole pupil in first and second grade with her mother as her teacher. She later attended Davenport Elementary School and Williamsburg High School before graduating at the top of her class from Cooley Dickinson School of Nursing. Her nursing career spanned over 40 years, beginning as a teaching nurse in the operating room at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and continuing through positions at Hampshire Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery, Northampton Nursing Home, Sunny Acres Nursing Home, and Hospice of Hampshire County. Even after retirement, she remained dedicated to private care within her community.

In 1957, MaryJane married Roland Miller, with whom she had three children: William, John, and Rebecca. She was deeply involved in the Chesterfield community, supporting her children's 4-H farming activities and participating in the Chesterfield Congregational Church, school committee, Grange, and mother's club. A cherished figure in the town's Fourth of July celebrations, she perfected the coveted potato salad recipe and was honored as Parade Marshal in 2018.

She is survived by her children William (Cheri) and Rebecca; sisters Naomi and Sarah; niece Gayle (Paul); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of friends and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents, siblings Nancy and John, beloved son John, daughter-in-law Jan, and great-grandson Seeley.

A memorial service will be held at The Chesterfield Congregational Church on April 12 at noon. Private graveside services will take place at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chesterfield Congregational Church or The Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.