Rebecca Manuel Millar

Rebecca Manuel Millar obituary, Cumberland, MD

Rebecca Manuel Millar

Rebecca Millar Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 18, 2025.
Rebecca Ann Manuel Millar, known lovingly as "Becky," passed peacefully on February 17, 2025, just shy of her 94th birthday. Born in Frederick on February 20, 1931, she was the daughter of Frances Nixon Manuel and Ralph Walter Manuel. The family later moved to Brunswick, where she graduated high school before attending Frostburg State College (FSC), earning both her BS and MS in Education.

Becky met her future husband, John Decker Millar, in an FSC math class-an instant connection that led to nearly 70 years of marriage. Though John passed in 2022, Becky kept him close, speaking to his portrait daily and keeping his ashes by her bed. On Valentine's Day 2025, she slipped from consciousness while awaiting a promised champagne toast with him. Today, their ashes comingle in a double urn gifted by dear friends.

Becky devoted her life to children and education, beginning as a teacher and later serving as Principal and Supervisor of Elementary Education in Allegany County. She was known for her fierce advocacy, notably founding the Summer Lunch Box program, which grew into a nonprofit delivering over 16,000 meals annually.

She held leadership roles at Emmanuel Episcopal Church and helped craft kneelers for the sanctuary. Today, the grounds feature a children's garden in memory of her and John. Becky also played key roles in Cumberland's Canal Boat and Heritage Days festivals, and was honored with numerous awards for her service, including the inaugural Maryland State Golden Apple Award and being named Grand Marshal of the 2018 South Cumberland Halloween parade.

Later in life, Becky moved to Atascocita, TX to be near her son William, embracing daily visits, poolside meals, and music-filled picnics with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love of music-from Judy Collins to karaoke-filled her final year with joy and laughter. She embraced Texas life fully, often saying: "I wasn't born in Texas-but I got here as fast as I could."

She is deeply missed by her family: her son William, his wife Sherry, his children and grandchildren; another son John and wife Ann; stepsons; extended family; and many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 26 at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Cumberland, followed by a reception at the Cumberland Country Club at 12:45 PM. Becky requests guests wear bright colors-not black-as the event is a celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Summer Lunch Box Outreach

924 Bedford Street

Cumberland, MD 21502

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

Sign Rebecca Millar's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 18, 2025

Ernest emerick posted to the memorial.

July 18, 2025

Phyllis Frost posted to the memorial.

July 18, 2025

Winona Powers posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Ernest emerick

July 18, 2025

Becky was a wonderful lady and she took care of my brother and I when we went to summer lunch box and I helped her for a lot of years and she will be missed dearly and until we meet again and she was like a grandmother to me

Phyllis Frost

July 18, 2025

I met Becky in 1968 and she was and always has been such a great friend and lady.

Winona Powers

July 18, 2025

I´m so sorry to hear of Mrs Millar's passing! She was so special to me.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Rebecca Millar's name

How to support Rebecca's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Rebecca Millar's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Rebecca Millar's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 18, 2025

Ernest emerick posted to the memorial.

July 18, 2025

Phyllis Frost posted to the memorial.

July 18, 2025

Winona Powers posted to the memorial.