Verna Miller

1929 - 2017

Verna A. Miller

Verna Andersen Miller passed away in San Francisco on October 13, 2016, in the presence of six devoted family members and friends. Daughter to the late Hans and Clara Andersen, she was born in 1929 on a farm outside Parlier, California. From her early education in a one-room schoolhouse, she went on to earn a BA in Scandinavian studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings, where she was one of three women in her class. After passing the bar exam while eight months pregnant, she practiced law for over 35 years in government and private practice, specializing in estate tax matters.

Verna kept an active social life into her eighties, with interests ranging from international film festivals to Cal football games. Her sharp, focused mind, keen sense of curiosity, and unflappable poise are sorely, dearly missed.

Verna is survived by her life partner of 37 years, Rich Mangum; her daughter, Sarah Miller; her sister, Daisy Lee Bitter; and many nieces and nephews and their families. She was a lifelong blood donor and would encourage us all to donate to our local blood bank in her absence.