Cathy Denise Miller

Cathy Denise Miller

Born on August 7th, 1958, to her loving parents, Lavona (née Walker) and Joe Miller. Cathy embarked on her final adventure Friday, April 18th, 2025- a spontaneous surprise as she quite enjoyed doing the unexpected. She is survived by her perfect daughter (Cathy’s words), Amber’s supportive boyfriend Collin Fritch (who also shared in taking great care of Cathy), and her cherished father, Joe.

Cathy is now reunited with her beloved mother, her dear friend, Rita, many loved ones and furry family members that have been patiently waiting for her grand entrance (she ran on “Cathy time” so she was probably 15 minutes late). We imagine them joyfully chatting, soaking up the sunshine with their feet in the grass.

Cathy graduated from Nursing School in Bay City in 1978 and started her decades long career, covering a plethora of fields and specialties. Her longest run was in Home Health Care and Hospice, where she conjured up infinite amounts of compassion and care for every patient. The relationships she formed here led to long lasting friendships with colleagues, patients, and their families alike. She learned many things from doing this work, her main takeaway being the resiliency of the human spirit.

Cathy’s spirit would later be put to the test with a progressive Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis in 2017. Never one to sugar coat things, she was dealt a bad hand. This isn’t exactly what she would say, but it’s unlikely THAT could be published. Unwilling to give MS much space here, let it be known that she rallied hard against it, mentally and physically, and her daughter will forever be proud of how hard she fought to not let it define her. Even on the worst days, Cathy didn’t take long to return to her truest, best self- a fiery, loving ray of sunshine in the world for those who knew and loved her.

She excelled at many things; nursing, creating laughter wherever she went, tasteful holiday decorating, micro-managing, being the life of the party, and being the best Nana to her grand dogs to name a few. Her true specialty was being a people person. From her witty comments, sense of humor, and heart to heart talks, it was easy to connect with Cathy. Cathy fiercely stood up for what she believed in and protecting her loved ones; the people who were lucky enough to be loved by her during her time here are left with more light in their lives because of it.

She was a pretty darn good cook, taking on more of a sous chef role as time passed, which was a good lesson in patience for both Cathy and her less culinary skilled daughter, Amber.

Being Amber’s mom was her joy in life (her actual words, promise), but the joy and the honor truly belonged to Amber. She would choose Cathy to be her Mom in every lifetime, until the end of time. She has now become eternal sunshine for her daughter, who will miss her more deeply than her words could ever dream to express.

A special thank you to her dear friends, Christina Turner and Sue McAulay (and many more) for all of the love, guidance, and support they have given to Cathy over the years, particularly the last few. Thank you for the laughs and tears shared through the joy and the sorrow.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to Clio Fighting MS, Inc. or National MS Society (nationalmssociety.org).

Celebration of life to be held in the coming weeks. Bring your best hat, sunglasses, and story about Cathy. Prepare for some good jams and food to commemorate a woman who was full of life, laughter, and love.

Until we meet again to bicker, laugh, cry, and hug (probably in that order)- I love you Sunshine. Forever and always. -Amber Joe